uninterested

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "uninterested" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
You use the word "uninterested" to describe someone who is not interested in a particular activity, person, or idea. For example, "The student was uninterested in the lesson and spent the whole time doodling on her notebook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amal Khanum Gadjieva of the Bactria Cultural Centre in the capital says that the low quality of contemporary productions has left the post-Soviet generation uninterested in theatre.

The Guardian

Smiling nicely at several attractive women who seemed strangely uninterested in having sex with him, Bond shuffled his way towards the front of the taxi queue.

The Guardian - Travel

Detached at the best of times, Ancelotti had sometimes appeared outright uninterested over the past few months, and in that regard the enthusiastic Leonardo – appointed today on a two-year deal – will provide a welcome change.

The Guardian - Sport

But, chapping on about 120 doors across a couple of hours, about half of those the canvassers spoke to were either undecided or uninterested in casting a vote for either side.

The Guardian

I am not totally uninterested in Anglo-Saxon history.

The Guardian

Douglas, 68, found himself in the unusual position of competing for an Emmy rather than an Oscar after US studios proved uninterested in helping to fund Soderbergh's film.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In stark contrast to her mostly male peers, Jane was supremely uninterested in camera equipment.

The Guardian - Arts

Craig Paterson, one of the organisers of the mass canvas, makes a distinction between the undecided and the uninterested.

The Guardian

In fact, a focus on individual behaviour provides cover for the tobacco, food, beverage, and alcohol industries as they expand into developing countries: they are uninterested in having their production and marketing of products curtailed through regulation or restrictions, nor the profits that wide consumption ensures.

The Guardian

Sadly, Miliband allowed himself to be perceived as uninterested in schools policy I also thought that the fundamentals of our education manifesto were correct.

The Guardian

Although he can appear uninterested, Ibrahimovic has scored 21 goals in the league alone this season and Saturday was not the first time he has secured a win, almost single-handedly, that Inter scarcely merited.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uninterested", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of interest rather than a lack of bias (which is better expressed with the word "disinterested").

Common error

Avoid using "uninterested" when you mean impartial or unbiased. Use "disinterested" instead to convey neutrality.

Linguistic Context

Uninterested functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of lacking interest or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is used to indicate a lack of engagement or curiosity towards a particular subject or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uninterested" is a commonly used adjective that describes a lack of interest or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It is important to distinguish it from "disinterested", which means impartial. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, and its semantic alternatives include "indifferent" and "apathetic". When using "uninterested", make sure the context is well defined and that the register matches the topic. The expert rating confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and used in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not interested

A more direct and common way to express a lack of interest.

couldn't care less

An idiomatic expression indicating strong indifference.

lacking interest

Focuses on the absence of interest.

unconcerned

Highlights a lack of worry or care.

indifferent

Implies a neutral or apathetic stance.

apathetic

Suggests a lack of emotion or motivation.

detached

Implies emotional distance or aloofness.

disinterested

While similar, this often means unbiased, but can also mean lacking interest depending on context.

blasé

Suggests a jaded or unimpressed attitude.

not giving a damn

A vulgar idiom expressing extreme lack of concern.

FAQs

How to use "uninterested" in a sentence?

Use "uninterested" to describe someone who shows a lack of interest or concern in something. For example, "He seemed "lacking interest" in the conversation and remained silent".

What can I say instead of "uninterested"?

You can use alternatives like "indifferent", "apathetic", or "unconcerned" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "uninterested" or "disinterested"?

"Uninterested" means lacking interest, while "disinterested" means impartial or unbiased. Choose the word that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

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

"Uninterested" implies a lack of specific interest, while "apathetic" suggests a broader lack of emotion or motivation toward anything.