How to Use Disinterested and Uninterested Correctly

Correct grammar is essential for speaking and writing effectively. A common error is confusing similar words like "disinterested" and "uninterested." While switching these terms is a common mistake, you don't want to make errors like this in an academic paper or business communication. To use "disinterested" and "uninterested" correctly, you must first understand the meaning of both words.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure you know the difference between the two terms. "Uninterested" means that there is no concern about or interest in something. For example, if someone is bored during a lecture, you can surmise that the person is "uninterested" in the topic being presented. "Disinterested" means that there is zero personal investment or stake in something. For example, a courtroom judge must be "disinterested" in order to be fair and impartial.

2. Look at the sentence. Determine whether the main point is about lack of engagement or lack of personal investment in the idea, object or activity being discussed. The most common mistake is to say "disinterested" when you should say "uninterested." For example, saying "I am disinterested in stamp collecting" is incorrect; the sentence should read "I am uninterested in stamp collecting" to be correct.

3. Write your sentence using the word that you think is correct.

4. Double check to be sure you used the correct term within the context of the sentence. A good check is to remember that the absence of interest in "disinterested" is about being impartial and objective due to having no personal stake in the situation or topic. However, the absence of interest in "uninterested" is about being bored or disengaged due to lack of relevance or inspiration in the situation or topic.