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

The imagery of the song chimes with some of Bowie’s deepest spiritual preoccupations. —Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026

And there was a strange preoccupation with running out of time, even though the show ended a good 15 minutes early as if the performers didn’t understand their own timeline. —Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

Protein preoccupations The protein obsession continued throughout 2025, spilling far beyond shakes and bars into everyday foods and drinks. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026

Morris didn’t mind the late hours or Marty’s preoccupation. —Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupation

• self-preoccupation

Rhymes for preoccupation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration