vested interest

noun

1

: an interest (such as a title to an estate) carrying a legal right of present or future enjoyment

specifically : a right vested in an employee under a pension plan

2

: a special concern or stake in maintaining or influencing a condition, arrangement, or action especially for selfish ends

3

: one having a vested interest in something

specifically : a group enjoying benefits from an existing economic or political privilege

Examples of vested interest in a Sentence

She has a vested interest in seeing the business sold, as she'll make a profit from the sale.

Recent Examples on the Web

Connecticut’s lawmakers have a vested interest in the success of Sikorsky, its workforce and suppliers, since it is based in their state and represents a significant part of its defense industry and economy. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2023

Applying to become a charter school can take years and require the signoff of any number of gatekeepers, some of whom have a vested interest in limiting competition for existing providers. —Mike McShane, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023

Much like her brother, Claire has expressed a vested interest in making sure Patagonia aligns with her morals. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2022

Of course, all of these parties have a vested interest in the awards-industrial complex. —Time, 5 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

vested interest

see interest sense 1