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

“It’s not out of disinterest on our part,” Hall adds — a slight caveat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

“It is clear that persistent failures like this are born out of this Board’s lack of experience in creative businesses, disinterest in product development and quality, and focus on short-term, self-interested priorities,” he continued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

"The problem is disinterest from all governments since 2011," Zabtia said.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

Describing “Tron: Ares” as a box office flop is an understatement – more like, it crashed into the public’s disinterest and burst into thousands of tiny cubes.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

Mom: “One of the symptoms of depression is disinterest in activities.”

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Related Words

• inattention
• indifference
• lethargy