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

Why the preoccupation with whether transgender women are stealing places from women born female when women are more likely to have their practices curbed by men’s and boys’ teams kicking them off their training pitches? —Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Join 4 others in the comments View Comments The threat posed to living artists is now Walker’s main preoccupation. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025

The club’s preoccupation, however, is goal scoring and speed at centre. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025

Cultural preoccupations have shaped the realm of mathematical possibilities. —Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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