disinterest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disinterest' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a lack of interest or to indifference in something. For example: "Despite her disinterest in school, she managed to get straight As."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He brought the moral and the aesthetic into opposition by re-interpreting what we might call the disinterest thesis the thesis that pleasure in the beautiful is disinterested (though see Cooper 1711, 222 and Home 2005, 36 38 for anticipations of Kant's re-interpretation).

SEP

While a cow may be uninterested, it cannot surely be disinterested, in the manner of a rational being for whom disinterest is the most passionate form of interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It betrays a fundamental disinterest in what homes are like inside and how it is to live in them.

The Guardian - Arts

He has set up a rival group, the Pacific Islands Development Forum, which met in June this year and managed to secure Indonesia's president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as its keynote speaker.Given those challenges to the PIF, and that level of disinterest among some of its leaders, the prospects for substantial commitments to pooling sovereignty may seem slender.

The Economist

It is nothing like the Pirates, another protest party that briefly surged in recent years (mainly on geeky issues such as online copyright) before evaporating again in chaos and disinterest.

The Economist

Statewide, then, Texas's general election turnout may be lagging for the same reason it always lags: largely uncompetitive races and widespread disinterest.

The Economist

But the right-wing government's disinterest in determining these suspects' guilt or innocence suggests that it is more concerned with courting anti-immigrant and law-and-order conservatives at home than with the fight for justice abroad.

The Economist

He and Mr Grillo launched M5S on the feast day of St Francis, whose disinterest in money Mr Casaleggio sees as a counterpoint to the rapaciousness of Italian parties and politicians.

The Economist

Rather, its low profile reflects the disinterest even those on Wall Street take in the infrastructure of markets.

The Economist

The past week reinforced a handful of damaging perceptions of euro-zone leaders: a general lack of competence, the core's insensitivity to peripheral economic pain, a disinterest in democratic accountability.

The Economist

His disinterest certainly did not extend to his power and glory.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disinterest" to specifically denote a lack of bias or impartiality, especially when objectivity is crucial, such as in legal or scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "disinterest" when you simply mean someone is not interested. "Disinterest" implies impartiality, while "uninterested" indicates a lack of interest. For example, use "uninterested" if someone is bored by a movie, but use "disinterest" when referring to a judge's impartiality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disinterest" is as a noun, denoting a state of being impartial or lacking interest. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it modifies actions by showing a deliberate choice to be without bias or engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disinterest" functions primarily as a noun, denoting impartiality or a lack of interest. While grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in neutral to formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and academic writing, it's crucial to differentiate it from "uninterested", which simply indicates a lack of interest. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage. Employ "disinterest" when conveying objectivity and freedom from bias, and be mindful of the subtle yet significant difference between expressing impartiality versus mere boredom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of interest

This alternative directly describes the absence of interest, similar to "disinterest".

apathy

Apathy implies a stronger sense of indifference and lack of emotion than "disinterest".

indifference

Indifference suggests a neutral attitude or lack of concern, closely related to "disinterest".

impartiality

Impartiality refers to a lack of bias or favoritism, a specific sense of "disinterest".

neutrality

Neutrality indicates a position of not taking sides, similar to impartiality as a form of "disinterest".

lack of concern

This phrase highlights the absence of worry or care, an aspect of "disinterest".

detachment

Detachment suggests emotional distance and lack of involvement, a more extreme form of "disinterest".

aloofness

Aloofness implies a distant and uninterested demeanor, a behavioral manifestation of "disinterest".

unconcern

This emphasizes a lack of worry or anxiety, mirroring a facet of "disinterest".

passivity

Passivity describes a lack of active participation or engagement, which can stem from "disinterest".

FAQs

How is "disinterest" used in a sentence?

"Disinterest" can refer to a lack of interest or impartiality. For example: "The judge showed complete "disinterest" in the defendant's personal life" or "Her "disinterest" in the project led to its failure".

What is a good substitute for the word "disinterest"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "lack of interest", "impartiality", or "apathy". Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "disinterest" and "uninterested"?

"Disinterest" refers to impartiality or a lack of bias, whereas "uninterested" simply means lacking interest or being bored. Using them interchangeably is a common mistake; consider the subtle but crucial differences.

Is "disinterest" the same as being neutral?

While related, "disinterest" implies a lack of personal stake or bias, which can lead to neutrality. However, someone can be neutral without necessarily being disinterested; they might simply choose not to take sides.