disinterest

[dis-in-ter-ist, -trist]

noun

1. lack of interest; indifference.

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

verb (used with object)

1. to divest of interest or concern.

disinterest

/ dɪsˈɪntrɪst, -tərɪst /

noun

1. freedom from bias or involvement

2. lack of interest; indifference

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of disinterest¹

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

Example Sentences

Depression was assessed through a questionnaire asking about depressed mood, disinterest, restlessness or lethargy during the previous two weeks.

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Johnson feels the claims of disinterest are unfair.

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One reason for the disinterest, Brettler thinks, was the home’s historic status.

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The image of Ginsberg that vividly emerges is that of an angry, bushily bearded man, polemicizing about corporations and the Times’s malign influence, and often breaking out in spiritualist chanting, all to Hujar’s profound disinterest.

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Beer brewers have been worried for some time about pressure on their business from younger drinkers’ interest in different types of alcoholic beverages, as well as their growing disinterest in alcohol more generally.

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Related Words

• inattention 
• indifference 
• lethargy