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

This is consistent with the film’s overarching preoccupation with greed, which here takes the form of gluttony. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026

Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device. — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026

But the version of the classical hero that the film conjures up nevertheless embodies the great preoccupation of Nolan’s filmography. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

That piecemeal process mirrors the film’s preoccupation with survival. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 July 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