- disinterest
- disinterestis 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.