What does uninterested mean?
Uninterested describes a lack of curiosity, enthusiasm, or attention toward someone or something. A person may be uninterested in a lecture, a conversation, a film, or an offer. The word can range in tone from a neutral observation that someone has little engagement to a stronger implication that they are bored, apathetic, or unconcerned. For example, saying that a guest appeared uninterested might suggest quiet discomfort, while saying that a manager remained uninterested in a proposal suggests that the proposal will receive little consideration. Uninterested is especially useful when the distinction between personal interest and impartial judgment matters. It differs from disinterested, which usually describes someone approaching a decision without personal bias or advantage. The adjective is standard in formal and informal English in both British and American usage.
adjectiveNot interested, attentive, or enthusiastic about something. It can also suggest indifference to the outcome or to other people's views.
- Not interested, attentive, or enthusiastic about a person, activity, subject, or outcome.
"She listened politely but remained visibly uninterested in the proposal."
"The students seemed uninterested when the teacher moved on to the history lesson."
"The judge avoided appearing uninterested, even though the testimony had already convinced him."
Uninterested can mean bored, while disinterested means impartial—a subtle prefix difference with a surprisingly different point of view.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uninterested come from?
Uninterested was formed in English by adding the prefix un- to interested, reversing its sense to mean 'not interested.' Interested derives from interest, which comes through French from Latin interesse, a form of inter- plus esse meaning 'to be', originally associated with being between, differing, or being of importance. The same Latin root underlies related English words such as interested, interesting, and disinterested.
Related word forms
How uninterested is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is commonly used predicatively, as in 'uninterested in the topic.' Depending on context, it can imply simple lack of interest, boredom, or deliberate indifference.
Easily confused with uninterested
Uninterested means lacking interest or attention, whereas disinterested means impartial and unaffected by personal bias or advantage.