disinterested

adjective

dis·​in·​ter·​est·​ed (ˌ)dis-ˈin-trə-stəd 

-ˈin-tə-ˌre-,

-tə-rə-,

-tər-;

-ˈin-ˌtre-

1

a

: not having the mind or feelings engaged (see engaged sense 1) : not interested

telling them in a disinterested voice

—Tom Wicker

disinterested in women

—J. A. Brussel

b

: no longer interested

husband and wife become disinterested in each other

—T. I. Rubin

2

: free from selfish motive or interest (see interest entry 1 sense 1a) : unbiased

a disinterested decision

disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of real civilization

—G. M. Trevelyan

disinterestedly adverb

Disinterested vs. Uninterested: Usage Guide

Disinterested and uninterested have a tangled history. Uninterested originally meant impartial, but this sense fell into disuse during the 18th century. About the same time the original sense of disinterested also disappeared, with uninterested developing a new sense—the present meaning—to take its place. The original sense of uninterested is still out of use, but the original sense of disinterested revived in the early 20th century. The revival has since been under frequent attack as an illiteracy and a blurring or loss of a useful distinction. Actual usage shows otherwise. The "free from selfish interest" sense of disinterested is still its most frequent sense, especially in edited prose; it shows no sign of vanishing. Further, disinterested has developed an additional sense—"no longer interested"—perhaps influenced by the "deprive of" sense of the prefix dis-, that contrasts with uninterested.

when I grow tired or disinterested in anything, I experience a disgust

—Jack London, letter, 1914

Still, use of the "not interested" and "no longer interested" senses of disinterested will incur the disapproval of some who may not fully appreciate the history of this word or the subtleties of its present use.

Synonyms

• apathetic
• casual
• complacent
• incurious
• indifferent
• insensible
• insouciant
• nonchalant
• perfunctory
• pococurante
• unconcerned
• uncurious
• uninterested

Choose the Right Synonym for disinterested

indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest.

indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Examples of disinterested in a Sentence

the disinterested pursuit of truth

the city's philistines, naturally disinterested in art, voted to cut the museum's budget

Recent Examples on the Web

Kate often seems like a spin on C.J. Cregg, Janney’s character on The West Wing — assertive, witty, disinterested in fashion — and so the series casting Janney to play a foil for Kate felt inevitable. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

To qualify for the business judgment rule, a company must meet the two MFW conditions: a wholly independent special committee and approval by a majority of disinterested stockholders. —Priya Cherian Huskins, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The special committee, composed of independent and disinterested directors, was formed in response to interest expressed by Erik and Pete Nordstrom earlier this year in exploring a possible transaction. —David Moin, WWD, 4 Sep. 2024

Revenues are directly affected by high levels of disengagement because disinterested customers neither make repeat purchases nor act as brand advocates. —Tommy Kearns, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

disinterested

adjective

dis·​in·​ter·​est·​ed dis-ˈint-ə-res-təd 

ˈdis-;

-ˈin-trəs-,

-ˌtres-;

-ˈint-ərs-,

-ˈint-ə-rəs-

1

: not interested

2

: not influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or concerns : unbiased

a disinterested decision

disinterestedly adverb

disinterestedness noun

Legal Definition

disinterested

adjective

dis·​in·​ter·​est·​ed dis-ˈin-tə-rəs-təd, -ˈin-trəs-, -ˈin-tə-ˌres- 

: free of any interest especially of a pecuniary nature : impartial

a disinterested person to witness the will