disinterested vs uninterested: what's the difference?

Disinterested means "impartial"; uninterested means "not interested".

disinterested

/dɪˈsɪntrɪstɪd/

Meaning: not influenced by personal advantage; impartial

Example: “We need a disinterested judge.”

Full definition of disinterested →

uninterested

/əˈnɪntrəstɪd/

Meaning: not interested or concerned

Example: “He seemed uninterested in the film.”

Full definition of uninterested →

How to remember

A disinterested referee has no stake in the result; an uninterested fan is bored.

More commonly confused words