Impartial or simply not interested?

The idea

Disinterested commonly means impartial, with no personal stake; uninterested means lacking interest.

Examples

• The committee chose a disinterested judge with no ties to either team.
• A disinterested adviser can weigh both offers fairly.
• We need a disinterested opinion from someone who owns no shares.
• Mina was uninterested in the match and read a novel instead.
• The children seemed uninterested in the long speech.
• I am uninterested in buying a car this year.

Watch out

Disinterested is also used to mean not interested, so choose uninterested when lack of interest is what you mean.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. The mediator has no stake in the dispute and can offer a ___ view. (disinterested / uninterested)

   Show answer or example answer

   disinterested

   disinterested: The mediator has no personal stake.

2. Choose the correct word. Leo finds the exhibition boring and is ___ in visiting it. (disinterested / uninterested)

   Show answer or example answer

   uninterested

   uninterested: Leo is bored by the exhibition.

3. Choose the correct word. For a fair decision, ask a ___ person who will gain nothing from either outcome. (disinterested / uninterested)

   Show answer or example answer

   disinterested

   disinterested: The person gains nothing from either result.

Use it today

Describe an impartial adviser and a topic that does not interest you.