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.
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
More important, Paul’s preoccupations with the politics of circumcision, and with Jewish ritual generally, seem to fit badly within a first-century, pre-Jewish War context.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
By that time, concerns about fraud were a statewide preoccupation and a DFL political liability, later contributing to Walz’s decision not to seek a third term as governor.
—Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Onabanjo’s chief preoccupation will be with the management of a landmark gift of over 6,500 photographs made to the Met in 2025 by photographer Artur Walther and the Walther Family Foundation.
—News Desk, Artforum, 9 Apr. 2026
Amid all those preoccupations for his physical performance, Ortiz also had to deliver his lines and be present in the moment, reacting to Gosling with spontaneity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
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Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
By that time, concerns about fraud were a statewide preoccupation and a DFL political liability, later contributing to Walz’s decision not to seek a third term as governor.
—Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Onabanjo’s chief preoccupation will be with the management of a landmark gift of over 6,500 photographs made to the Met in 2025 by photographer Artur Walther and the Walther Family Foundation.
—News Desk, Artforum, 9 Apr. 2026
Amid all those preoccupations for his physical performance, Ortiz also had to deliver his lines and be present in the moment, reacting to Gosling with spontaneity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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