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
b
: something that preoccupies one
Synonyms
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
Though these themes are of course still relevant today, the story is ultimately rooted in the anxieties and preoccupations of Herbert’s era.
—
Ruby Thélot, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024
Criminal psychology, family dynamics, and the American dream are among its chief preoccupations; the shows share a pessimism about these topics that felt revelatory at the turn of the century.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024
For the next few years, however—at least until the next party congress in 2026—Lam’s foremost preoccupation will be consolidating power at home.
—Huong Le Thu, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024
Between the lines: Texas has, for the moment, pivoted to the perennial preoccupation as fall approaches — football — with its big entrance to the SEC.
—Asher Price, Axios, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preoccupation 
Ruby Thélot, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024
Criminal psychology, family dynamics, and the American dream are among its chief preoccupations; the shows share a pessimism about these topics that felt revelatory at the turn of the century.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024
For the next few years, however—at least until the next party congress in 2026—Lam’s foremost preoccupation will be consolidating power at home.
—Huong Le Thu, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024
Between the lines: Texas has, for the moment, pivoted to the perennial preoccupation as fall approaches — football — with its big entrance to the SEC.
—Asher Price, Axios, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preoccupation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preoccupation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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