Word
vested
Phoneticsvest·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɛstɪd/
UK/vˈɛstɪd/
Definitions
01a strong personal reason
C1 · Advanced General-service
adj. used in the phrase 'vested interest' to describe a strong reason for wanting something to happen because you will benefit from it.
adj. describing a personal or financial stake in an undertaking or state of affairs, with an expectation of gain. Usually used in the fixed phrase 'vested interest'.
“The local businesses have a vested interest in keeping the new road away from the town centre.”
“The pharmaceutical company has a vested interest in the success of the new legislation, as it would extend their patent protections by several years.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used before the noun 'interest' or 'interests'.
02legally absolute
C2 · Proficiency Law Formal · Technical
adj. describing a legal right or property that is now fully yours and cannot be taken away.
adj. referring to a right or privilege that has become a present, fixed possession and is no longer dependent on future events or conditions.
“After ten years of service, his right to a full pension became vested.”
“The court ruled that the plaintiff held a vested right to the property, which could not be overridden by the new zoning regulations.”
Usage
Often used as a predicative adjective after the verb 'to become'.
Antonyms
03wearing special clothes
C2 · Proficiency Religion Formal · Literary
adj. wearing special clothes, especially the robes worn by priests or officials during a ceremony.
adj. clothed or dressed, specifically in ecclesiastical vestments or ceremonial robes.
“The vested choir walked slowly down the aisle at the start of the service.”
“The bishop, fully vested in his ceremonial attire, stood at the altar to greet the visiting dignitaries.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vested” in context.
Adjective
01. vested interest
“The local council has a vested interest in ensuring the new shopping mall project is successful.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“So qualified professionals, free from vested interests, could be part of these online conversations.” “Edney says sequestering didn’t work because parties with a vested interest in the case were staying at the same accommodation as the jury.” “The lawyers said Upgaming believed it was “subject to a targeted campaign by various parties, including with vested commercial interests of their own”, without providing further explanation.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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