English Reference
adjective

vested

adj.
US /ˈvɛstɪd/ UK /vˈɛstɪd/ vest·ed

  1. 01 C1 Advanced General-service

    used in the phrase 'vested interest' to describe a strong reason for wanting something to happen because you will benefit from it.

    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'.

    Simple

    The local businesses have a vested interest in keeping the new road away from the town centre.

    In context

    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'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    describing a legal right or property that is now fully yours and cannot be taken away.

    referring to a right or privilege that has become a present, fixed possession and is no longer dependent on future events or conditions.

    Simple

    After ten years of service, his right to a full pension became vested.

    In context

    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'.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency FormalLiterary Religion

    wearing special clothes, especially the robes worn by priests or officials during a ceremony.

    clothed or dressed, specifically in ecclesiastical vestments or ceremonial robes.

    Simple

    The vested choir walked slowly down the aisle at the start of the service.

    In context

    The bishop, fully vested in his ceremonial attire, stood at the altar to greet the visiting dignitaries.

    clothedrobed

Usage vested interest

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 Guardian· 19 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated