disinterest

American  

[dis-in-ter-ist, -trist] / dɪsˈɪn tər ɪst, -trɪst /

noun

1. lack of interest; indifference.

2. the absence of bias or self-interest; impartiality.

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verb (used with object)

1. to divest of interest or concern.

disinterest British  

/ dɪsˈɪntrɪst, -tərɪst /

noun

1. freedom from bias or involvement

2. lack of interest; indifference

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verb

1. (tr) to free from concern for personal interests

Etymology

Origin of disinterest

First recorded in 1605–15; dis- ¹ + interest

Explanation

Disinterest is a lack of curiosity or attachment, like your complete disinterest in your younger sister's scene-by-scene recap of the plot of her favorite cartoon. One kind of disinterest is simply a lack of enthusiasm, like your disinterest in sports or local politics: you just don't care. Another kind of disinterest is more of a neutrality or impartiality. A mediator, judge, or negotiator needs this type of disinterest in order to hear two opposing viewpoints without prejudice. Disinterest comes from the prefix dis-, "lack of," and interest, from the Latin interresse, "to concern, make a difference, or be of importance."

Example Sentences

Disinterest allowed Fidelity and other mutual funds to gobble up big allocations of Google's stock, watching it rise from $85 back then to more than $900 in July.

From Reuters • Oct. 2, 2013

Disinterest in social activities and a focus on details might boost math, science and computer skills.

From US News • Oct. 8, 2010

Discourtesy, Disinterest Sirs: I have just been reading the article in your issue dated April 20, relative to the so-called "Buchman Movement."

From Time Magazine Archive

Disinterest in his voice now, Steinhart noted clinically.

From The Hills of Home by Coppel, Alfred

Related Words

• inattention
• indifference
• lethargy