ongeïnteresseerd

ongeïnteresseerd is a Dutch adjective meaning not interested, indifferent, or lacking enthusiasm toward someone or something. It can describe a person, a group, or an attitude, indicating an absence of curiosity or engagement. The word is formed by the negating prefix on- attached to the participle geïnteresseerd; geïnteresseerd comes from interesse, which in turn derives from French intéresser, with roots in Latin inter- 'between' and esse 'to be' in the sense of mattering or affecting.

Usage and nuance: It describes someone who shows little or no interest in a topic, event, or conversation, often through behavior such as a blank look or a detached manner. Common collocations include ongeïnteresseerde blik, ongeïnteresseerde houding, and sometimes een ongeïnteresseerde toeschouwer. The term is neutral in isolation but can carry a mildly negative connotation in evaluative contexts, and is typically contrasted with geïnteresseerd or nieuwsgierig. It should not be confused with onverschillig, which implies a more deliberate lack of concern.

Related forms and equivalents: ongeïnteresseerdheid is the noun meaning disinterest or indifference. In English, the direct equivalent is uninterested; the concept also overlaps with onverschilligheid (indifference) and nieuwsgierigheid (curiosity).