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

In vulnerable states wedged between NATO’s eastern flank and Russia, such as Moldova, Moscow may also see a benefit to sowing deeper chaos, encouraged by Washington’s apparent disinterest in that region. —Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025

Despite what could’ve been growing international disinterest in or outright boycotting of a film flying the U.S. flag, those audiences dropped just 55% outside of China, a surprisingly strong hold all things considered. —Mark Hughes, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

According to the study, a 5-year-old indoor cat belonging to one of the dairy workers was brought to a local veterinary clinic after showing decreased appetite, disinterest in grooming, disorientation and tiredness. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025

Chastain appeared on the first season of The Traitors, her dry wit and hilarious disinterest in gameplay helping make the show a success (and landing her in fifth place). —Dave Quinn, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1