vested interest

noun

1. a special interest in an existing system, arrangement, or institution for particular personal reasons.
2. a permanent right given to an employee under a pension plan.
3. vested interests, the persons, groups, etc., who benefit the most from existing business or financial systems.

vested interest

noun

1. property law an existing and disposable right to the immediate or future possession and enjoyment of property
2. a strong personal concern in a state of affairs, system, etc, usually resulting in private gain
3. a person or group that has such an interest

vested interest

1. A phrase that indicates a deep personal (and possibly financial) interest in some political or economic proposal: “As a major stockholder of the Ford Motor Company, Senator Bilge had a vested interest in legislation restricting the import of Japanese autos.” The plural, vested interests , often refers to powerful, wealthy property holders: “His radical policies enraged vested interests.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vested interest¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Idioms and Phrases

A personal stake in something, as in She has a vested interest in keeping the house in her name . This term, first recorded in 1818, uses vested in the sense of “established” or “secured.”

Example Sentences

Surely, for anyone with a vested interest in science, reason, and the idea of secular politics, this is deeply depressing news.

From The Daily Beast

“[Patients] have a vested interest in seeing the product developed,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

But the key feature of a lobbyist is that he has a vested interest.

From The Daily Beast

And the doctors come off as remarkably patient and understanding people who take a vested interest in their patients.

From The Daily Beast

I am skeptical, as I have a vested interest, having dated a foreigner for many years.

From The Daily Beast

A word must also be said about the opposition to reform of the vested interest of the classical and coercive schoolmaster.

From Project Gutenberg

The police who had purchased their promotion in this fashion naturally felt that they had a vested interest in their posts.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps,” said Bob, “upon general principles you may be right; but then remember that we have a vested interest in the line.

From Project Gutenberg

On one occasion that fellow Sims had driven over the only vested interest of a working man.

From Project Gutenberg

One would think Seaweed safe enough for a vested interest, surely.

From Project Gutenberg