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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In addition, and perhaps this is surprising, the preoccupation can be about generative AI and LLMs. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 The preoccupation yanked her away from family and impeded her work. Molly Young, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Virtually all of them, even the most entertaining and quirky ones, suggested an underlying preoccupation with the power of narrative to shape our sense of reality. Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024 Lucca rejects that categorization, finding the same preoccupations with the mind-body problem and the riddle of identity across Cronenberg’s career. Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near preoccupation

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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