vested interest

noun

1. a special interest in an existing system, arrangement, or institution for particular personal reasons.
2. a permanent right given to an employee under a pension plan.
3. vested interests, the persons, groups, etc., who benefit the most from existing business or financial systems.

vested interest

noun

1. property law an existing and disposable right to the immediate or future possession and enjoyment of property
2. a strong personal concern in a state of affairs, system, etc, usually resulting in private gain
3. a person or group that has such an interest

vested interest

1. A phrase that indicates a deep personal (and possibly financial) interest in some political or economic proposal: “As a major stockholder of the Ford Motor Company, Senator Bilge had a vested interest in legislation restricting the import of Japanese autos.” The plural, vested interests , often refers to powerful, wealthy property holders: “His radical policies enraged vested interests.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vested interest¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Idioms and Phrases

A personal stake in something, as in She has a vested interest in keeping the house in her name . This term, first recorded in 1818, uses vested in the sense of “established” or “secured.”

Example Sentences

"There’s no doubt that Musk has significant vested interests in the US regulatory landscape as a result of his many business enterprises," says Prof Gift.

From BBC

On Saturday, Israel rejected warnings of famine in northern Gaza from global food security experts, saying the group relied on "partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests".

From BBC

"I have no vested interest in the outcome of my clients' relationships, my focus is on supporting them in whatever direction feels most authentic for them," Masterson says.

From BBC

There are many rules for who can apply — with the goal of keeping out those with a vested interest.

From Los Angeles Times

So all these groups have a vested interest in who the sheriff is.

From Salon