uninterested

adjective

un·​in·​ter·​est·​ed

ˌən-ˈin-t(ə-)rə-stəd;

-ˈin-tə-ˌre- 

-ˈin-ˌtre-;

-ˈin-tər-

: not interested : not having the mind or feelings engaged

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
• disinterested
• incurious
• indifferent
• insensible
• insouciant
• nonchalant
• perfunctory
• pococurante
• unconcerned
• uncurious

Examples of uninterested in a Sentence

the teacher decided to make a career change after having to teach yet another class of uninterested teens

Recent Examples on the Web

Up until that point, Bob is still stuck recording traditional folk songs that don’t sell for a label uninterested in his original material. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024

If Trump proceeds with bilateral negotiations with Nairobi, either building on the Biden administration’s progress or reviving the talks from his first term, it will be viewed as a signal that Washington is uninterested in striking trade deals with regional blocs. —Ken Opalo, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2024

For apps whose express purpose is to help people find friends, my matches seemed overwhelmingly uninterested in chatting, let alone meeting up. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, Congress seems largely uninterested in holding OMB accountable. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

uninterested

adjective

un·​in·​ter·​est·​ed

ˌən-ˈint-ə-ˌres-təd,

ˈən-;

-ˈin-trəs-,

-ˌtres-;

-ˈint-ərs-,

-ˈint-ə-rəs-

: not interested : not paying attention