How to Use Disinterested vs. Uninterested (Word Choice)

First published on February 29, 2024 by Dalia Y.|Last revised on October 28, 2025

To say you're disinterested means you do not have a stake, or stand to gain nothing, without a vested interest. Uninterested just means you don't care.

Writing Tips

How to Use Disinterested vs. Uninterested (Word Choice)

Disinterested vs. uninterested: what's the difference?

Though they sound similar and share the word "interested," disinterested and uninterested have distinct meanings that are important to understand.

The key distinction between these two words lies in their meaning:

Disinterested (adjective) — Impartial, unbiased; not having a vested interest or stake in the outcome. Someone that's impartial is seen as having no personal stake in the matter and can make fair judgments. A disinterested person can be interested in the topic; though they don't stand to gain or lose from the outcome.
Uninterested (adjective) — More simply means not interested—someone who doesn't care about the topic at all and is bored or indifferent to it.

Definitions and usage

Disinterested (adjective)

Impartial, unbiased; not having a vested interest or stake in the outcome. A disinterested person can still be interested in the topic; they just don't stand to gain or lose from the outcome.

• The judge must remain disinterested in order to make a fair ruling.

• The arbitrator was a disinterested party, chosen by both sides to ensure a fair resolution.

• A solicitor can give you disinterested advice.

Uninterested (adjective)

Not interested; lacking interest, concern, or curiosity about something. An uninterested person simply doesn't care about the topic and is bored or indifferent to it.

• He seemed uninterested in the discussion and kept checking his phone.

• He is completely uninterested in politics.

• She was completely uninterested in her sister's career.

Pro tip! Remember that disinterested means your personal interest is *dis*connected (impartial), while uninterested means you are simply "not" interested. Think of it this way: A judge should be disinterested (impartial) but not uninterested (bored) in a case.

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for disinterested

unbiased impartial indifferent insouciant objective separate from apathetic unconcerned

Synonyms for uninterested

apathetic indifferent listless bored unconcerned

Word origins

Uninterested: First recorded in the 1640s, meaning "unbiased," from un- (1) "not" + past participle of interest (v.). It later came to mean "disinterested" (1660s); the sense of "unconcerned, indifferent" is recorded from 1771. Ironically, "uninterested" is the correct word for what is often miscalled "disinterested."

Disinterested: First recorded in the 1610s, meaning "unconcerned" (the sense that now would go with uninterested), from dis- "opposite of" + interested. Over time, it evolved to mean "impartial" or "unbiased."

The confusion between these words stems from their overlapping historical meanings. Originally, "disinterested" meant what we now use "uninterested" for, and vice versa. Over centuries, their meanings shifted and became more distinct, though people still sometimes confuse them today.

Practice quiz: Disinterested vs. Uninterested

Question 1 of 5

A judge must remain ______ in all cases.

disinterested
uninterested

He seemed ______ in the topic and kept looking at his phone.

disinterested
uninterested

We need a ______ opinion on this matter.

disinterested
uninterested

She was ______ in the outcome and left early.

disinterested
uninterested

A ______ party can help resolve disputes fairly.

disinterested
uninterested

FAQs

Are 'disinterested' and 'uninterested' interchangeable? +

No, they have different meanings. Disinterested means impartial or having no vested interest, like a judge who has no stake in the outcome. Uninterested means simply not interested in something—bored or indifferent. Using them interchangeably can change your meaning significantly.

What does 'disinterested' mean? +

Disinterested means impartial, unbiased, or uninfluenced by personal feelings. It describes someone who has no personal stake in the outcome and can make fair judgments. Think "personal interest is disconnected." A disinterested person can still care about the topic; they just have nothing to gain or lose from the result.

What does 'uninterested' mean? +

Uninterested simply means "not interested"—lacking interest, concern, or curiosity about something. It describes someone who is bored or apathetic. For example: "He is completely uninterested in politics" or "She seemed uninterested in my story."

When should I use 'disinterested'? +

Use disinterested when describing someone who is impartial or unbiased. Examples: "The judge was disinterested in the case" (meaning impartial), "A solicitor can give you disinterested advice" (meaning unbiased), or "We need a disinterested third party to mediate" (meaning neutral).

When should I use 'uninterested'? +

Use uninterested when describing someone who lacks interest or is bored. Examples: "She seemed uninterested in my story," "He is completely uninterested in politics," or "The students appeared uninterested in the lecture."

Can a judge be both disinterested and interested? +

Yes! A judge should be disinterested (impartial, with no stake in the outcome) but also interested (engaged and attentive to the case). The judge should not be uninterested (bored). This shows the important distinction between these words.