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

a preoccupation with money

b

: something that preoccupies one

We need to better understand the problems and preoccupations of our clients.

Synonyms of preoccupation

• obsession
• problem

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

These milestones demonstrate that the past is colored and edited by the preoccupations of the present. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 3 July 2026

Getting even has been a lifelong preoccupation. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 28 May 2026

Carrie clocked Cola’s preoccupation with one of the dresser’s drawers. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

This is often followed by body dissatisfaction, an intense fear of eating, and a preoccupation with body shape and size even after weight restoration. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupation

• self-preoccupation

Rhymes for preoccupation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation