vested interest
Plural
vested interests
1
a personal reason for involvement in a situation, especially when connected to financial or other gain
The idiom "vested interest" originated from legal and financial contexts. The word "vested" refers to something that is secured or granted to someone, while "interest" refers to a stake or involvement in something. It is used to describe a personal or financial interest in a particular outcome or situation. It implies that the person has a significant stake or benefit tied to the success or failure of something.
- Banks have a vested interest in keeping customers satisfied.
- She argued strongly, but she had a vested interest in the outcome.
- The workers have a vested interest in the company's success.
- Investors usually hold a vested interest in rapid growth.
- Politicians often protect their own vested interests.
2
a legal interest in property, funds, or rights that is fixed and gives present or future entitlement, often transferable
- She inherited a vested interest in the estate.
- The will granted him a vested interest in the family property.
- Employees have a vested interest in their pension funds.
- The trust created a vested interest for all named beneficiaries.
- A vested interest in land cannot be revoked arbitrarily.
3
a person or group that has a special reason, often financial or political, for being involved in a matter
- The energy companies are a powerful vested interest in the debate.
- The authorities became a vested interest opposing reform.
- Lobby groups act as vested interests in government decisions.
- The problem is that vested interests block progress.
- Every industry has its own vested interests protecting their profits.