vested interest
0 antonyms and opposites of vested interest, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A personal stake in how something turns out, which gives you a reason to argue for a particular outcome and may make your advice unreliable.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A personal stake in how something turns out, which gives you a reason to argue for a particular outcome and may make your advice unreliable.
“He has a vested interest in the merger going ahead, so treat his figures carefully.”
2. noun
A group or organisation that benefits from an existing arrangement and works to keep it in place. Usually plural.
“Reform was blocked by the vested interests of the industry.”
3. noun legal
In law, a present and absolute right to future property or benefits, which cannot be taken away.
“After five years the employee has a vested interest in the pension scheme.”
How to use vested interest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral to slightly critical; common in journalism, politics and business.
Etymology
From vested, meaning legally settled or secured, from Latin vestire 'to clothe'.
Full origin of vested interest →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a vested interest and a conflict of interest?
A vested interest is simply having something to gain from an outcome, which is not wrong in itself. It becomes a conflict of interest when that stake sits against a duty you owe someone else, such as advising a client or voting on a contract. Every conflict of interest involves a vested interest, but not the reverse.
Is having a vested interest a bad thing?
Not automatically. Shareholders, employees and residents all have legitimate vested interests. The word turns critical when the stake is hidden, or when someone presents self-serving advice as neutral expertise.
Why is it called 'vested'?
Vested is a legal term meaning a right has settled on you for good and can no longer be withdrawn. The everyday phrase borrows that sense: your interest is fixed in the outcome rather than casual or detached.