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
a preoccupation with money
b
: something that preoccupies one
We need to better understand the problems and preoccupations of our clients.
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
The work foregrounds a preoccupation with light that has shaped Pau’s understanding of the medium from the outset.
—
Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Food noise is a genuine phenomenon characterized by a constant preoccupation with food.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Though each songwriter’s individual preoccupations and quirks are on display here, the interplay between Adducci and Grigoroff makes this feel like a joint effort.
—David Harris, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2026
More important, Paul’s preoccupations with the politics of circumcision, and with Jewish ritual generally, seem to fit badly within a first-century, pre-Jewish War context.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
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Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Food noise is a genuine phenomenon characterized by a constant preoccupation with food.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Though each songwriter’s individual preoccupations and quirks are on display here, the interplay between Adducci and Grigoroff makes this feel like a joint effort.
—David Harris, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2026
More important, Paul’s preoccupations with the politics of circumcision, and with Jewish ritual generally, seem to fit badly within a first-century, pre-Jewish War context.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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