disinterested

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disinterested' is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is impartial and not influenced by personal feelings or interests. For example, "The judge was disinterested and therefore able to make an impartial decision in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms Rojas, who did give birth in captivity, has called the charge "lies and spite .Many potential readers are likely to be torn between the book's literary merit and a reluctance to aid Ms Betancourt, who has squandered her popularity by appearing ungrateful towards the government and disinterested in Colombia.

The Economist

Few, especially in northern Europe, thought that Portugal would clamber on to the foundation-stone.Mr Guterres's enthusiasm for both Europe and the euro is by no means disinterested.

The Economist

We now have "not interested", for instance, as another meaning for "disinterested".

The Economist

Six months before he faces the country, Mr Cameron is no disinterested voice.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I visited the abandoned prison late this summer, a group of disinterested Iraqi forces sat at a checkpoint on the main road to Baghdad, eating watermelon as the distant rumble of shellfire sounded in the distance.

The Guardian

This manifestation of the urgent need to acclaim a redeemer would have caused any disinterested observer to believe that Lionel Messi had relocated to Glasgow.

The Guardian - Sport

Then, in May, Paul Downton told Test Match Special: "I watched every ball of the Sydney Test live, and I've never seen anyone as disinterested or distracted.

The Guardian - Sport

Was Kekhman, observers wondered, that near-mythical figure, a purely disinterested patron of the arts?

The Guardian

Competent, disinterested and benevolent political leaders could be trusted with "co-ordination".

The Economist

He was materially disinterested, freed his own slaves and gave away most of his wealth.

The Economist

And there are politicians and diplomats who, in fits and starts, and for less disinterested motives, also try to end wars and reduce suffering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use "disinterested" to convey impartiality, especially in legal, ethical, or professional contexts where objectivity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "disinterested" when you mean "uninterested" (lacking interest). While the two have been used interchangeably, doing so can cause confusion. Opt for "uninterested" to clearly express a lack of interest.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "disinterested" primarily functions to describe someone or something as impartial or unbiased. Ludwig AI highlights that the term is used to convey objectivity and lack of personal stake in a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "disinterested" primarily signifies impartiality and a lack of bias, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it can also mean lacking interest, this usage is less preferred and can cause confusion. Employing alternatives like "impartial" or "unbiased" can enhance clarity in formal contexts. Given its frequent appearance in news, media, and business sources, "disinterested" remains a valuable term for conveying objectivity and fairness. Understanding the nuance between its two meanings, however, is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impartial

Focuses specifically on the absence of bias or prejudice.

unbiased

Highlights the lack of preconceived notions or favoritism.

neutral

Indicates a position of not taking sides or having an opinion.

objective

Emphasizes a focus on facts and evidence rather than personal feelings.

unprejudiced

Stresses the absence of preconceived judgments or biases.

equitable

Highlights fairness and justice in treatment.

fair-minded

Suggests a willingness to consider different viewpoints.

detached

Implies a lack of emotional involvement or personal connection.

indifferent

Indicates a lack of concern or interest.

unconcerned

Highlights a lack of worry or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "disinterested" in a sentence?

"Disinterested" can be used to describe someone impartial, as in "The mediator was a "disinterested" third party, ensuring a fair negotiation." Alternatively, though less preferred, it can describe someone lacking interest.

What is a more precise synonym for "disinterested" meaning impartial?

For clarity, especially in formal contexts, use alternatives like "impartial", "unbiased", or "neutral" when you mean without bias.

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

"Disinterested" primarily means impartial or unbiased. "Uninterested" means lacking interest or concern. Using "disinterested" to mean "uninterested" is often considered incorrect, so "uninterested" is safer when you mean lacking interest.

Is it wrong to use "disinterested" to mean lacking interest?

While historically accepted, using "disinterested" to mean lacking interest is now often frowned upon. To avoid confusion, use "uninterested" to clearly convey a lack of interest.