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

Their libidinous preoccupations, like those of the protagonists of Superbad, Booksmart and more recently Bottoms, are familiar. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025

If consumer inflation is your preoccupation, this helps. —Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025

In his new film, Mickey 17, the director brings his preoccupation with classism to outer space. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025

This preoccupation, is at its heart, about race: the idea that genetic racial inequalities in everything from income to incarceration are best explained by Black and Latino people having lower IQs than white and Asian people. —Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 Mar. 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