Intact: Meaning and Usage
“Intact” describes something that remains whole, complete or undamaged. Cambridge defines it in terms of being complete and not damaged, giving writers a precise choice when “unchanged” alone would be too broad.
“Intact” means complete and not damaged or destroyed. It commonly appears after verbs such as “remain” or “keep”: “The seal remained intact.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Idea | Use “intact”? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| whole and undamaged | yes | The word emphasizes preserved completeness or integrity. |
| merely unchanged in every detail | not necessarily | “Unchanged” can be broader than physical or structural integrity. |
| still functioning as a complete system | often | Figurative wholeness can also fit when the important point is preserved integrity. |
Quick tests
Integrity test
Is the important point that something remains whole, complete, or undamaged?
If yes: “Intact” fits.
If no: Use “unchanged,” “the same,” or another word that names the actual relationship.
Caveat: “Intact” emphasizes integrity rather than the absence of every possible change.
Examples
The seal remained intact during shipping.
The word emphasizes that the seal stayed whole and undamaged.
Most of the original agreement remained intact after the revision.
The figurative use emphasizes preserved overall integrity despite some change.
Further guidance
Meaning
Use “intact” for physical or figurative wholeness when the important point is that something has not been broken, damaged or destroyed.
Usage Boundary
Do not automatically replace every use of “unchanged” with “intact.” “Intact” emphasizes preserved completeness or integrity, not merely the absence of any change.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- intact — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Intact for something complete, undamaged or in its original state