preoccupation

noun

pre·​oc·​cu·​pa·​tion (ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce preoccupation (audio)
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
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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 See All Example Sentences for preoccupation

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preoccupation was in 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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