preoccupied

adjective

pre·​oc·​cu·​pied (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd 

1

: previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense

—used of a biological generic or specific name

2

a

: lost in thought

also : absorbed in some preoccupation

b

: already occupied

Synonyms

• distracted

Choose the Right Synonym for preoccupied

abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absent-minded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration.

abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

absent-minded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absent-minded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

Examples of preoccupied in a Sentence

too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal

Recent Examples on the Web

To examine this, researchers analyzed data from over 700 young adults aged 18 to 30, comparing emotional regulation and dependence levels across three attachment styles: secure, preoccupied and dismissing. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

In an era where so many action movies feel bloated, impersonal, or too preoccupied with setting up spin-offs, Plane is refreshingly straightforward. —Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Nora and Madeline, meanwhile, aren’t as well developed, but then again, they’re both entirely preoccupied throughout with trying to understand what on earth is going on in this creepy house, what their mothers aren’t telling them and why. —Ilana Masad, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

While universities remain preoccupied with defending traditional curricula and evaluation methods, not to mention banning students (and staff) from using genAI, the job market is rapidly evolving. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupied

• self-preoccupied

Rhymes for preoccupied

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Kids Definition

preoccupied

adjective

pre·​oc·​cu·​pied (ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpīd 

1

: lost in thought : engrossed

2

: already occupied