Ex-heir

An 'ex-heir' refers to an individual who was once designated as the heir to a title, estate, or fortune but has since been disinherited or relinquished that status. This term often implies a significant change in personal circumstances or the revocation of inheritance due to various reasons such as legal disputes, familial disagreements, or death of the current holder of the estate. It reflects a complex and often contentious relationship with family legacies and expectations.

Ex-heir meaning with examples

• In a surprising twist, Alice found herself as an ex-heir after her father's will unexpectedly favored her estranged brother, leaving her feeling rejected and bewildered, as she had always assumed she would inherit the family estate.
• The novel's protagonist begins as a hopeful heir to a sprawling manor but soon becomes an ex-heir after a legal challenge reveals a hidden illegitimacy, altering his life's path dramatically and forcing him to confront identity and belonging.
• Mary, an ex-heir, struggled to adapt to her new reality after her family disowned her following her marriage to someone outside their social circle, navigating her independence while coping with feelings of loss and betrayal.
• After years of legal battles, James officially became an ex-heir when he renounced his claim to his family's fortune, choosing instead to live a simpler life, much to the shock of his relatives, who had expected him to fight for his rights.