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
This and other information about U2’s current projects and preoccupations is found in a 54-page revival of the group’s old fanzine, Propaganda, which is available digitally as well as in print in some record shops.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
With the Epstein story approaching the 10-year mark as a global preoccupation, this nth phase of the intrigue, largely prompted by fallout from the Department of Justice’s July proclamation that there were no further criminal charges in the works, has spawned a potent cottage industry.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Feb. 2026
His joy was partly a measure of his long-running preoccupation with the future of Europe, where the broader culture has been steadily marching away from Christianity.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
His preoccupation with the DDA is an example.
—Delores Rangel, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
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Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
With the Epstein story approaching the 10-year mark as a global preoccupation, this nth phase of the intrigue, largely prompted by fallout from the Department of Justice’s July proclamation that there were no further criminal charges in the works, has spawned a potent cottage industry.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Feb. 2026
His joy was partly a measure of his long-running preoccupation with the future of Europe, where the broader culture has been steadily marching away from Christianity.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
His preoccupation with the DDA is an example.
—Delores Rangel, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2026.
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