disinterested

adjective

dis·​in·​ter·​est·​ed (ˌ)dis-ˈin-trə-stəd 

-ˈin-tə-ˌre-,

-tə-rə-,

-tər-;

-ˈin-ˌtre-

1

: free from selfish motive or interest (see interest entry 1 sense 1a) : unbiased

a disinterested decision

A disinterested third party mediated the dispute.

disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of real civilization

—G. M. Trevelyan

2

: not having the mind or feelings engaged (see engaged sense 1) : not interested

a disinterested audience

also : not showing interest

checked her watch in a disinterested manner

disinterestedly adverb

Disinterested vs. Uninterested: Usage Guide

Confusion about the meanings of disinterested and uninterested is longstanding and may be due to their tangled histories. When disinterested and uninterested entered the language in the 17th century, disinterested meant "not interested" and uninterested meant "not biased." Since then, the situation has all but reversed itself. Uninterested now means only "not interested."

uninterested in attending

Disinterested can mean either "not biased" or "not interested," but is most commonly used to mean "not biased."

the need for a disinterested referee

However, disinterested is more common than uninterested in contexts that suggest a loss of interest.

when I grow tired or disinterested in anything, I experience a disgust

—Jack London, letter, 1914

Still, use of the "not interested" sense 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 of disinterested

• nonchalant
• casual
• uninterested

Choose the Right Synonym for disinterested

indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest.

indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Examples of disinterested in a Sentence

the disinterested pursuit of truth

the city's philistines, naturally disinterested in art, voted to cut the museum's budget

Recent Examples on the Web

As for why the market was ultimately disinterested in investing, Brown pointed to larger industry dynamics. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2025

But if Ross decides to dump McDaniel, it would be justified after Sunday’s lifeless effort littered with penalties (11 for 103), foolish mistakes and the appearance of a team that was unprepared and disinterested. —Barry Jackson updated October 19, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025

Lyra’s quest to understand Dust brings her into confrontation with human and other worldly forces who champion moral absolutism over imagination, ignorance over knowledge, authoritarianism over free will and cold, disinterested rationality over empathy. —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

And her disinterested therapist (Conan O’Brien, in a tone-perfect performance) is no help. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for disinterested

• interested
• uninterested

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Kids Definition

disinterested

adjective

dis·​in·​ter·​est·​ed dis-ˈint-ə-res-təd 

ˈdis-;

-ˈin-trəs-,

-ˌtres-;

-ˈint-ərs-,

-ˈint-ə-rəs-

1

: not interested

2

: not influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or concerns : unbiased

a disinterested decision

disinterestedly adverb

disinterestedness noun

Legal Definition

disinterested

adjective

dis·​in·​ter·​est·​ed dis-ˈin-tə-rəs-təd, -ˈin-trəs-, -ˈin-tə-ˌres- 

: free of any interest especially of a pecuniary nature : impartial

a disinterested person to witness the will