disinterest

1 of 2

verb

dis·​in·​ter·​est (ˌ)dis-ˈin-trəst  -ˈin-tə-ˌrest 

-tə-rəst,

-tərst;

-ˈin-ˌtrest

disinterested; disinteresting; disinterests

transitive verb

: to cause to regard something with no interest or concern

disinterest

2 of 2

noun

1

: disinterestedness

2

: lack of interest : indifference

Synonyms

Noun

• detachment
• disinterestedness
• equity
• evenhandedness
• fair-mindedness
• fairness
• impartiality
• justice
• neutralism
• neutrality
• nonpartisanship
• objectiveness
• objectivity

Examples of disinterest in a Sentence

Noun

His proposal was met with complete disinterest.

since the coach has a son on the team, his disinterest in the selection of a team captain cannot be assumed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For instance, maintaining consistent eye contact generally signifies confidence and attentiveness, whereas avoiding it may indicate discomfort or disinterest. —Michael Shribman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

The pay and benefits of public employment attract some and disinterest others. —Chris Brewster, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

For countries in the global South, this American disinterest in the preservation of the postwar order U.S. leaders helped build is only bad news. —Jorge G. CastaÑeda, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025

Baldwin is often off-balance: His accent and the overall volume of performance wobble from scene to scene; the relationship with McDermott’s Lucas veers between affection and disinterest. —Nick Newman, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1