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
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
In a cheeky aside directed at Sony Pictures Classics co-head Micheal Barker who was at the dinner, Quinn recalled how one of his preoccupations at Samuel Goldwyn had been figuring out what titles their rivals were getting access to.
—
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
The show’s preoccupation with Lee’s race isn’t incidental.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
New York Film Festival offer a glimpse into the preoccupations guiding our foremost auteurs.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
Trier’s preoccupations with a healthy set are also a testament to his directing philosophy.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
The show’s preoccupation with Lee’s race isn’t incidental.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
New York Film Festival offer a glimpse into the preoccupations guiding our foremost auteurs.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
Trier’s preoccupations with a healthy set are also a testament to his directing philosophy.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share