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
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
Are the themes in this movie in any way a reflection of your own preoccupations?
—
Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Justice notes these preoccupations often impact our wellness in subtle and overlooked ways that can add up to significant harm like sleep disturbance, irritability, uncontrolled worry, ruminating about the ‘what ifs,’ exhaustion, burnout, and over-functioning.
—Essence, 27 Aug. 2025
The researchers chose this term because of its similarity to a condition called orthorexia, an unhealthy preoccupation with healthy eating.
—Stacey Colino, Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Managing one’s personal reputation used to be a preoccupation mainly for celebrities and PR firms, but Gen Z’s habitation of digital spaces allows their every move (or post) to be scrutinized and judged by their peers.
—Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
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Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Justice notes these preoccupations often impact our wellness in subtle and overlooked ways that can add up to significant harm like sleep disturbance, irritability, uncontrolled worry, ruminating about the ‘what ifs,’ exhaustion, burnout, and over-functioning.
—Essence, 27 Aug. 2025
The researchers chose this term because of its similarity to a condition called orthorexia, an unhealthy preoccupation with healthy eating.
—Stacey Colino, Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Managing one’s personal reputation used to be a preoccupation mainly for celebrities and PR firms, but Gen Z’s habitation of digital spaces allows their every move (or post) to be scrutinized and judged by their peers.
—Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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