disinterested
adjectivefair, because you have nothing to gain either way
Disinterested: no stake. A fair judge.
Disinterested vs uninterested
Many people use disinterested to mean bored too, but careful writers use it only for fair and neutral.
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
In careful English, disinterested means fair, with nothing to gain. Uninterested means bored or not interested.
uninterested
adjectivenot interested; bored
Uninterested: not interested at all.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| disinterested | adjective | fair, because you have nothing to gain either way | We need a disinterested expert to judge the contest. | |
| uninterested | adjective | not interested; bored | He seemed uninterested in the film. |
See each one in a sentence
adjective
disinterested
Examples
We need a disinterested expert to judge the contest.
A judge must be disinterested.
Common mistake
Not: We need an uninterested referee, someone with no link to either team.
Say: We need a disinterested referee, someone with no link to either team.
Fair because you have no stake is disinterested.
adjective
uninterested
Examples
He seemed uninterested in the film.
She was uninterested in sports.
Common mistake
Not: She looked disinterested during the whole lecture.
Say: She looked uninterested during the whole lecture.
Bored or not interested is uninterested. Many people also say disinterested, but careful writers keep it for fair and neutral.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.