The adjective 'heirless' describes a person, lineage, or estate that has no legal inheritors, descendants, or successors to receive property, titles, or other possessions. It signifies the complete absence of an individual, group, or institution entitled to inherit or continue a tradition. This can arise from the death of all potential heirs, the relinquishment of inheritance rights, or the inability to produce viable successors. Often, heirless status leads to property reverting to the state, the extinction of a dynasty, or the end of a particular legacy. The term carries a sense of finality and potential loss of continuity.
Heirless meaning with examples
- The elderly count, having outlived all his children and grandchildren, found himself in the bleak position of being heirless. His vast estate and ancient title would eventually pass to the crown upon his demise. All he would leave was the history books.
- After years of struggling with infertility, the couple accepted their fate, their family line remaining heirless. They decided to channel their love and resources into supporting orphans and charities.
- The ancient kingdom, riddled with disease and civil unrest, became heirless when the last ruler was murdered. A power vacuum emerged, leading to years of chaos and conflict, with each noble attempting to claim the empty throne.
- Facing insurmountable debt and personal troubles, the businessman declared his company heirless, liquidating all of its assets. He hoped this would cover his dues to the best of his abilities, but most of his investments were lost.