plural concerns
1
a
: a feeling of worry usually shared by many people
They have expressed/voiced concern about the cost of the project.
There is much/great concern among voters about/over the economy. = The economy is a matter of much/great concern to/for many voters.
There is some concern that the economy might worsen.
I share your concern about these problems.
Their friend's health is a constant source/cause of concern.
There is no cause for concern. [=there is no reason to worry]
The governor needs to address voters' concerns about/over the economy.
They have raised concerns about the cost of the project.
b
: something that causes people to worry
The economy is one of our main concerns. [=the economy is one of the things that we are most worried/concerned about]
Their friend's health is a constant concern.
2
: a feeling of being interested in and caring about a person or thing
His concern with/for the well-being of his family is obvious.
She has always shown genuine/deep concern for the poor.
I appreciate your concern, but there's really nothing you can do to help.
She has always shown a genuine/deep concern for the poor.
3
: something that is regarded as important
She articulated the major concerns of the administration.
Our main/primary/principal concern is to assure that these problems do not occur again.
4
: something that a person is responsible for or involved in
—usually singular
Paying for the tickets is your concern [=responsibility], not mine.
It's not our concern. = It's none of our concern. = It's no concern of ours. [=it's not our business; it doesn't involve/concern us]
5
formal
: a business or company
a banking concern
a going concern [=a successful business]
concerns; concerned; concerning
1
: to relate to (something or someone) : to be about (something or someone)
The novel concerns three soldiers.
This study concerns the noise levels in cities.
2
: to affect or involve (someone) : to be the business or interest of (someone)
The problem concerns [=affects] us all.
This conversation doesn't concern you.
Note: The phrase To whom it may concern is used at the beginning of a formal letter (such as a letter written to a company) when the name of the person who will read the letter is not known.
3
: to make (someone) worried : to cause concern for (someone)
Our mother's illness concerns us.
Cite this Entry
“Concern.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/concern. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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