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

• obsession

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

Deprivation, along with a preoccupation with food, our bodies, and working out, only increases that vulnerability. —Time, 26 June 2025

Everything from schooling and leisure to clothes and food in the Xi household were shaped by broader preoccupations within the elite. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

If concerns about their appearance become an obsession or preoccupation. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 24 June 2025

There is always a gap between the thing that exists on the page, as it’s gone through the filter of many people’s imaginations and agendas and preoccupations, and then again in the edit. —William Earl, Variety, 20 June 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