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 See all Example Sentences for vested interest 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vested interest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vested interest was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near vested interest

Cite this Entry

“Vested interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vested%20interest. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

vested interest

see interest sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on vested interest

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