preoccupation

noun

pre·​oc·​cu·​pa·​tion (ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: an act of preoccupying : the state of being preoccupied

2

a

: extreme or excessive concern with something

b

: something that preoccupies one

Synonyms

• fetish
• fetich
• fixation
• idée fixe
• mania
• obsession
• prepossession

Examples of preoccupation in a Sentence

We need to better understand the problems and preoccupations of our clients.

the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age

Recent Examples on the Web

Diet monitoring apps were linked to intentionally self-regulating caloric intake (dietary restraint), a preoccupation with food, and eating concerns. —New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025

But Rankin also knows that language is a Canadian preoccupation. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025

That’s also very much a preoccupation of many of the Iranian poetic films that our movie references. —Stuart Miller, Orange County Register, 12 Feb. 2025

Trump would seem to share few of the habits or preoccupations of the wellness influencers, and yet their project is in synch with his own. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupation

• self-preoccupation

Rhymes for preoccupation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration