uninterested

adjective

un·​in·​ter·​est·​ed

ˌən-ˈin-t(ə-)rə-stəd;

-ˈin-tə-ˌre- 

-ˈin-ˌtre-;

-ˈin-tər-

: not interested : not having the mind or feelings engaged

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 uninterested

• nonchalant
• casual
• disinterested

Examples of uninterested in a Sentence

the teacher decided to make a career change after having to teach yet another class of uninterested teens

Recent Examples on the Web

His campaign is determined to maintain the perception that this race is a local one, with the senator hyperfixated on the concerns of his constituents and uninterested in either national ambitions or the chatter among prospectors in Washington. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026

Just as in his examination of Captain Sully or his exploration of parenting or an episode about cloned puppies, Fielder is uninterested in the technical realities or the concrete, easily provable facts. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Some recall an uninterested audience that slowly recognizes genius and cheers build until this is not just another Saturday. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and his government were uninterested in such short-term solutions. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for uninterested

• disinterested
• interested

Kids Definition

uninterested

adjective

un·​in·​ter·​est·​ed

ˌən-ˈint-ə-ˌres-təd, 

ˈən-;

-ˈin-trəs-, 

-ˌtres-;

-ˈint-ərs-, 

-ˈint-ə-rəs-

: not interested : not paying attention