disinterest

disinterest
disinterest
is 17c and has two current meanings corresponding to those of the more commonly used word disinterested. These are (1) impartiality, (2) lack of interest. A third meaning, ‘something contrary to one's advantage’, is now virtually obsolete. The first meaning is found in earlier writing

• (We here see Morris working, with entire disinterest, at his work —Saturday Review, 1896)

but the second is now far more common, despite the controversy attached to the corresponding meaning of disinterested

• The general reaction…was a mixture of curiosity, disinterest, fear, and embarrassment —M. Morse, 1965

• He misread my quietude…as either agreement or disagreement. It was neither. Pure, unadulterated disinterest —Chinua Achebe, 1987

• Despite British radio's disinterest in new music, and the reduced influence of the music press, I believe real talent will eventually get through —N. York, 1991).

At present the best course is to avoid the word in this meaning, either by using the more explicit phrase lack of interest or by rephrasing. A form uninterest is occasionally found, predominantly in North America, but is not in wide use:

• She had no idea…whether all men went through periods of uninterest —Sebastian Faulks, 1989

• That was largely due to the frustration with the sound quality at the club, and seeming uninterest from the audience —Eye Weekly (Toronto), 2003.


Modern English usage. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Disinterest — Dis*in ter*est, p. a. Disinterested. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] The measures they shall walk by shall be disinterest and even. Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Disinterest — Dis*in ter*est, n. 1. What is contrary to interest or advantage; disadvantage. [Obs.] Glanvill. [1913 Webster] 2. Indifference to profit; want of regard to private advantage; disinterestedness. [Obs.] Johnson. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Disinterest — Dis*in ter*est, v. t. To divest of interest or interested motives. [Obs.] Feltham. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • disinterest — I (lack of interest) noun aloofness, apathy, boredom, callousness, carelessness, coolness, detachment, disdain, disinterestedness, disregard, heedlessness, inappetance, inappetancy, inattention, inattentiveness, inconsideration, incuriosity,… …   Law dictionary

  • disinterest — ► NOUN 1) impartiality. 2) lack of interest …   English terms dictionary

  • disinterest — [dis in′trəst, disint′ər əst] n. 1. lack of personal or selfish interest 2. lack of interest or concern; indifference …   English World dictionary

  • disinterest — [[t]dɪsɪ̱ntrəst[/t]] N UNCOUNT: oft N in n If there is disinterest in something, people are not interested in it. The fact Liberia has no oil seems to explain foreign disinterest in its internal affairs... We have had to contend with the… …   English dictionary

  • disinterest — dis|in|terest [dısˈıntrıst] n [U] 1.) a lack of interest disinterest in ▪ The exception to Balfour s disinterest in social issues was education. 2.) when you are able to judge a situation fairly because you are not involved in it …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • disinterest — noun (U) a lack of interest (+ in): The exception to Balfour s disinterest in social issues was education …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • disinterest — I. transitive verb Date: 1612 to cause to regard something with no interest or concern II. noun Date: 1658 1. disinterestedness 2. lack of interest ; indifference …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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