least interested

USAGE SUMMARY

"least interested" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the lowest level of interest in something. Example sentence: Of the three classes, I am least interested in history.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was least interested in jobs and left quietly when the discussion ended.

The New York Times

The public editor has a number of constituencies, or at least interested audiences.

The New York Times

"In fact, I'm least interested in current politics," Mr. Bhagwat said.

The New York Times

"He's the person the least interested in the music business I've ever met.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Camero might have been expected to be the least interested in joining the group.

The New York Times

Latvians were the least interested; 8.3 percent watched the average match.

The New York Times

"He was the one I was least interested in," says Betsy.

Princeton University

Of all the anchors, Mr. Brokaw seemed the least interested in the actual goings-on in the convention hall.

The New York Times

Users in the San Francisco Bay Area appear to be among the least interested in rooming with a pet.

The New York Times

"In the past he was not the least interested in governance, but in deals," said Talat Masood, a political analyst.

The New York Times

Several aides said that Mr. Kerry was the least interested in polling data of any politician they had known.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least interested", ensure the context clearly identifies the subject or activity to which the lack of interest applies. For example, specify "least interested in politics" or "least interested in attending the conference".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what the subject is "least interested" in. Vague statements can confuse the reader about the focus of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least interested" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the lowest degree of interest in something compared to other options or individuals. As Ludwig suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least interested" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express a minimal level of interest. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered accurate and appropriate for use in written English. Found frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it effectively conveys a lack of enthusiasm or engagement. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the subject or area to which the disinterest applies. Consider alternatives like "not at all interested" or "utterly disinterested" for nuanced expression. Overall, "least interested" remains a valuable and versatile tool in expressing preferences or a lack of concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all interested

Emphasizes a complete lack of interest.

utterly disinterested

Highlights a complete absence of interest, often implying objectivity.

mildly uninterested

Indicates a slight lack of interest.

hardly concerned

Suggests a lack of worry or care, implying a disinterest in the outcome.

scarcely involved

Emphasizes a minimal level of participation or engagement.

not particularly keen

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or eagerness.

relatively indifferent

Suggests a neutral or unbiased stance, implying a lack of strong feeling or interest.

minimally invested

Highlights a low level of commitment or involvement.

barely attentive

Suggests a lack of focus or interest, leading to inattentiveness.

somewhat apathetic

Indicates a lack of emotion or enthusiasm, implying a general disinterest.

FAQs

How do I use "least interested" in a sentence?

Use "least interested" to indicate the lowest level of interest among a group or in a comparison. For example: "Of all the options, I am "least interested" in that one".

What's a good alternative to saying "least interested"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "not at all interested", "utterly disinterested", or "hardly concerned".

Is it better to say "less interested" or "least interested"?

"Less interested" is used when comparing two things, while "least interested" is used when comparing three or more things. For example, "I am less interested in apples than oranges," but "I am "least interested" in apples, oranges, and bananas".

Can "least interested" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "least interested" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to express a lack of interest and is widely used in academic, business, and news contexts.