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

People generally have higher trust in information sources close to home and greater skepticism about institutions such as the government in Washington and the national media that are far removed from their day-to-day preoccupations. —Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Apart from preferred temperature, pros are quick to note that preoccupations with visual perception turn into questions about service. —Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 May 2025

People might also object to any preoccupation with boys’ welfare, or any suggestion that boys should be given more attention than girls. —Joshua Coleman, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025

Even though Israel’s fatal campaign against Hezbollah and its deterrence efforts against Iran—as well as Russia’s preoccupation in Ukraine—had left Assad defenseless, his regime’s collapse took Israel by surprise. —Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 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