disinterested in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disinterested in" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is impartial or unbiased in a situation, rather than being influenced by personal interests or feelings. You can use it in a sentence when discussing someone's lack of enthusiasm or involvement in a certain topic or activity. For example: "Despite her expertise in the subject, she remained disinterested in the debate and refused to take sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I became entirely disinterested in my studies.

The Guardian - Books

That doesn't mean non-voting youths are disinterested in politics.

The Guardian

All three of them look disinterested in the stand I'm making.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was interested in religion, but very disinterested in how it related to my life.

Independent

It has a precise power that is disinterested in overpowering reality.

The New Yorker

During his final difficult days, Mike's mother, father and sisters seemed disinterested in his illness.

The New York Times

"And Daddy absolutely was disinterested in the movies made of his plays.

The New York Times - Arts

But then, from his appearance downwards, Calloway seems disinterested in doing things the easy way.

The Guardian - Music

This from a coach who'd endured a lot of suggestions that he was disinterested in tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

The security services were completely disinterested in him and his allegations".

The Guardian

Rucker, for his part, seems largely disinterested in reflecting on his legacy as a black pioneer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disinterested in" to convey impartiality or a lack of personal stake, differentiating it from "uninterested in", which simply means not interested. Ensure the context clarifies whether you mean unbiased or simply bored.

Common error

Avoid using "disinterested" when you mean "uninterested". "Disinterested" means impartial, while "uninterested" means lacking interest. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disinterested in" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of personal interest or bias. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals or entities that are impartial or unconcerned about a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disinterested in" is a commonly used phrase that signifies impartiality or a lack of personal interest. While often confused with "uninterested in", understanding the distinction is crucial for precise communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. To ensure clarity, always use "disinterested in" when you mean impartial and "uninterested in" when you mean lacking interest. This will prevent potential misinterpretations and enhance the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uninterested in

Direct synonym, implying a lack of interest or concern.

indifferent to

Suggests a lack of concern or emotional response.

apathetic towards

Implies a lack of enthusiasm or motivation.

unconcerned about

Highlights a lack of worry or care.

detached from

Suggests a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

impartial towards

Emphasizes fairness and lack of bias.

objective about

Highlights a focus on facts and evidence, rather than personal feelings.

neutral regarding

Implies a lack of preference or inclination.

unbiased towards

Stresses the absence of prejudice or favoritism.

not caring about

Colloquial expression for lacking interest or concern.

FAQs

What is the difference between "disinterested in" and "uninterested in"?

"Disinterested in" means impartial or unbiased, suggesting a lack of personal stake. "Uninterested in" simply means not interested or lacking enthusiasm. Choose the word that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

How can I use "disinterested in" in a sentence?

Use "disinterested in" when you want to indicate that someone is impartial or not influenced by personal feelings or interests. For example: "The judge remained "impartial in" the case and was "disinterested in" the outcome, ensuring a fair trial."

What are some alternatives to saying "disinterested in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "uninterested in", "indifferent to", "impartial towards", or "objective about".

Is it correct to use "disinterested in" to mean "not interested in"?

While some people use "disinterested in" to mean "not interested in", this usage is often considered incorrect by grammar purists. To avoid confusion, it's best to use "uninterested in" when you mean lacking interest, and reserve "disinterested in" for meaning impartial.