Difference between Disinterested and

Uninterested
Subject: English Topic: Article

Disinterested means “without a vested interest.” Uninterested means “not showing interest.” The
words disinterested and uninterested are sometimes used as if they have the same meaning. The
adjectives ‘disinterested’ and ‘uninterested’ are often misconstrued and are used synonymously
because of their relationship with the word interest. Disinterested means not taking
sides or impartial. It is usually used to describe a person with no personal benefit at stake.
Uninterested means not interested. It is the consequence of something being uninteresting (i.e.,
boring or uneventful).

Disinterested means are unbiased, while uninterested means inattentive. Disinterest is sometimes
used to mean both of these things. While ‘disinterested‘ refers to detached or uninvolved in
something, ‘uninterested‘ is just the opposite of the word interested which indicates the absence
of interest in something. The word ‘uninterested’ shows a lack of interest in something, whereas,
the word ‘disinterested’ indicates a lack of self-interest in something. Disinterested is often used
in place of uninterested to mean bored or uncaring. Though common, this usage is imprecise and
should be avoided.

Difference between Disinterested and Uninterested

DISINTERESTED

 Disinterested means are uninfluenced by the thought of personal benefit.

 The word ‘disinterested’ is used to talk about someone who has no involvement or
relation with the case or matter and can thus make fair decisions or judgment.
 The word ‘disinterested’ describes a person with no personal involvement or gain/loss in
a particular case, situation, or matter. This means that a disinterested person is neutral,
 independent, and impartial as he receives no profit in favoring any party to the argument.
So, he/she can act in a just and fair manner and give an unbiased opinion/judgment.
 When a person is free from any selfish motive, or personal gain, we say he/she is
disinterested, due to which the person can act in a just and fairway.
 If a person is disinterested, it means that the person neither has any involvement with the
case, nor he/she will be affected by the consequence.
 Example: The umpire gives a disinterested decision during the cricket match. She said
that she is not coming with use in an uninterested voice.

UNINTERESTED

 Uninterested means having no interest in something.

 The word ‘uninterested’ is used for a person who is not interested or does not show any
sign of interest in something, i.e. indifferent.
 The word ‘uninterested’ is used for someone who is not excited for something, or who do
not want to be involved in a particular situation, case, or matter. That means an
uninterested person is the one who stays out of that matter by not showing any sign of
interest, enthusiasm, attention, concern, and so forth.
 When a person is uninterested he/she is said to be incurious, unenthusiastic, or
unconcerned about something, i.e. the person is not having any interest in that particular
matter.
 If a person is uninterested, he/she doesn’t want to jump into the matter, i.e. he/she is not
willing to involve in the case in any way.
 Example: The officer said that he will perform disinterested research. We are totally
uninterested in watching the drama, going on in college.