# vested

/ˈvɛstɪd/ (US) · /vˈɛstɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vested
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a strong personal reason

adjective · CEFR C1 · General-service

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. legally absolute

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. wearing special clothes

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The local businesses have a vested interest in the new road.
- Because she owns shares in the company, she has a vested interest in seeing the stock price rise.
- The proposed environmental regulations faced heavy opposition from industries with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.