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
Synonyms
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
This preoccupation misses the elephant in the room: the disintegration or collapse of the Black family, the prime engine for inculcating behavioral norms indispensable to success.
—
Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
But there’s nothing conscious on my part about ongoing preoccupations or consistencies or running themes or any of that.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025
But that preoccupation has become even more central as high youth unemployment, soaring foreclosures and deteriorating international relations have fueled widespread anxiety about China’s future.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
In general, Smith warns, this rising preoccupation with the speed of election results is not necessary as long as results come for when lawmakers need to be sworn in.
—Ashley Lopez, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preoccupation 
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Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
But there’s nothing conscious on my part about ongoing preoccupations or consistencies or running themes or any of that.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025
But that preoccupation has become even more central as high youth unemployment, soaring foreclosures and deteriorating international relations have fueled widespread anxiety about China’s future.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
In general, Smith warns, this rising preoccupation with the speed of election results is not necessary as long as results come for when lawmakers need to be sworn in.
—Ashley Lopez, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preoccupation
Dictionary Entries Near preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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