not interested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not interested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a lack of interest in a topic, offer, or suggestion. Example: "Thank you for the invitation, but I'm not interested in attending the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hippolytus is not interested.

The New York Times

Northwestern is not interested.

The New York Times

But he's not interested.

The New Yorker

She's not interested".

The New Yorker

We're not interested".

The New York Times

"I'm just not interested".

The New Yorker

He is not interested.

The New York Times

"So they're not interested".

The New Yorker

Ivanov is not interested.

The New Yorker

"Not interested, not interested," the senator insists.

The New York Times

Gorham, however, is not interested.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing disinterest, consider the context and audience. "Not interested" is generally acceptable, but in formal settings, more tactful phrasing may be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "not interested" bluntly in professional or formal communication. Instead, opt for more polite alternatives like "I appreciate the offer, but it's not something I can pursue at this time" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not interested" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this construction effectively communicates a lack of desire, enthusiasm, or concern regarding a particular subject or activity. The examples show its adaptability in various statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not interested" serves as a straightforward and common way to express a lack of desire, enthusiasm, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While highly prevalent in news and media, as well as informal settings, adapting the phrasing for more formal or professional scenarios can be beneficial. Consider alternatives like "uninterested" or "not keen" to fine-tune the tone to suit the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uninterested

A direct synonym, conveying a lack of interest.

not keen

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or desire.

not inclined

Suggests a lack of willingness or motivation.

not bothered

Implies a lack of concern or care.

no desire

Directly states the absence of wanting something.

not enthusiastic

Conveys a lack of excitement or passion.

not caring

Implies a lack of concern or investment.

indifferent

Shows a lack of preference or opinion.

apathetic

Suggests a lack of emotion or motivation.

couldn't care less

Emphasizes a strong lack of interest or concern.

FAQs

How to use "not interested" in a sentence?

You can use "not interested" to express a lack of desire or enthusiasm for something. For example: "I'm "not interested" in going to the party." or "He's "not interested" in the proposal."

What can I say instead of "not interested"?

You can use alternatives like "uninterested", "not keen", or "indifferent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not interested" or "uninterested"?

Both "not interested" and "uninterested" are correct, but "not interested" is generally more common in spoken English. "Uninterested" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "not interested" and "not caring"?

"Not interested" indicates a lack of desire or enthusiasm, while "not caring" implies a lack of concern or emotional investment. For example, "I'm "not interested" in the details" suggests the details don't pique your curiosity, whereas "I'm "not caring" about the outcome" indicates the outcome is irrelevant to you.