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

Positive body language can help leaders appear confident, approachable, and engaged, while negative body language may inadvertently signal disinterest, discomfort, or defensiveness. —Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.d., Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Kelly is in the final year of a four-year, $50 million contract extension, and he’s been candid about the Colts’ disinterest in giving him another extension. —James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

Campbell left for the locker room in the fourth quarter to express his disinterest in helping his team. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Reading about how to deal with disinterest isn’t the same as knowing how to address it. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1