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

His output more closely resembles that of an old studio film director’s than of a typical contemporary literary novelist, with certain themes and preoccupations reappearing across books of otherwise disparate subject matter. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

Advertisement America’s preoccupation with the war on terror did squander its unipolar decade. — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Fretting about the future is a favorite preoccupation of the conscientious. — Joe Fassler, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

The result, says Roya, is deepening apathy among her fellow citizens, whose preoccupation now is just getting by. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 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