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

The leader unintentionally conveyed disinterest, frustration, and even resentment by avoiding the conversation. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

How others interpret your actions Also, by focusing so much attention on their own individual interests, people may inadvertently signal disinterest to others in their social environments. —Linda R. Tropp, The Conversation, 21 May 2025

Both Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have conveyed disinterest in what happens in Yemen. —April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025

But yet another step was introduced in between Russia betraying its disinterest in peace, and Ukraine’s allies escalating their measures against Moscow. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1