diff --git a/core/api/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/intent/IntentState.java b/core/api/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/intent/IntentState.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..20476e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/api/src/main/java/org/onlab/onos/net/intent/IntentState.java
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+package org.onlab.onos.net.intent;
+
+/**
+ * This class represents the states of an intent.
+ *
+ * <p>
+ * Note: The state is expressed as enum, but there is possibility
+ * in the future that we define specific class instead of enum to improve
+ * the extensibility of state definition.
+ * </p>
+ */
+public enum IntentState {
+    // FIXME: requires discussion on State vs. EventType and a solid state-transition diagram
+    // TODO: consider the impact of conflict detection
+    // TODO: consider the impact that external events affect an installed intent
+    /**
+     * The beginning state.
+     *
+     * All intent in the runtime take this state first.
+     */
+    SUBMITTED,
+
+    /**
+     * The intent compilation has been completed.
+     *
+     * An intent translation graph (tree) is completely created.
+     * Leaves of the graph are installable intent type.
+     */
+    COMPILED,
+
+    /**
+     * The intent has been successfully installed.
+     */
+    INSTALLED,
+
+    /**
+     * The intent is being withdrawn.
+     *
+     * When {@link IntentService#withdraw(Intent)} is called,
+     * the intent takes this state first.
+     */
+    WITHDRAWING,
+
+    /**
+     * The intent has been successfully withdrawn.
+     */
+    WITHDRAWN,
+
+    /**
+     * The intent has failed to be compiled, installed, or withdrawn.
+     *
+     * When the intent failed to be withdrawn, it is still, at least partially installed.
+     */
+    FAILED,
+}