preoccupation

noun

pre·​oc·​cu·​pa·​tion (ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce preoccupation (audio)
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 Which, in the end, signals an authorial preoccupation that Serle points out is a reflection of her own personal quandaries. Rachel Seo, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024 Denny Tamaki said his calls to move some U.S. operations off Okinawa have been overshadowed by the national government’s preoccupation with potential international conflict. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The preoccupation has held them back from accruing savings, buying a home or investing, and instead has led them to overspend and even take on additional debt. Jane Thier, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2024 The 1920s painter who hid sapphic symbols in her portraits This new, electrifying sartorial landscape brought with it a widespread preoccupation with clothes that not only influenced Sargeants’ artistic eye, but his clients’ desires too. Leah Dolan, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 But a confluence of factors—and the public’s rabid preoccupation with celebrity gossip—have converged to make some people online think that something is very amiss. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 29 Feb. 2024 Taylor's first foray into pop proved her ability to rise above the genre's preoccupation with recycled hooks and surface level lyrics. Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 6 Feb. 2024 Jeffy largely blames social media for kids' preoccupation with skincare and anti-aging products. USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024 The state media’s interest had shifted to a decidedly domestic preoccupation: the president’s effort to redeem a popular musician who had died under ignominious circumstances eight years earlier. Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preoccupation was in 1572

Dictionary Entries Near preoccupation

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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