Preoccupation: meaning, definitions and examples
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preoccupation
[ priːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən ]
mental state
A preoccupation is a thought or activity that you give all your attention to.
Synonyms
concern, fixation, obsession, obsessiveness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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preoccupation |
Used when someone is mainly focused or thinking about something specific, often to the exclusion of other things. It is neutral in tone.
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obsession |
Used when someone has an overwhelming focus on something to the point where it disrupts normal life. It carries a strong negative connotation.
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fixation |
Used when someone has an excessive and unhealthy focus on something. It often implies a disturbance in balance. It has a slightly negative tone.
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concern |
Used when someone is worried or anxious about something. It is important enough to be worth attention.
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obsessiveness |
Used to describe a state of being excessively preoccupied or fixated on something, often in a manner that is difficult to control. This term usually has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Her preoccupation with weight began in her teens.
- His preoccupation with work often caused him to neglect his family.
- The constant preoccupation with money was affecting her mental health.
occupation
Preoccupation can also refer to a job or activity that keeps someone very busy.
Synonyms
commitment, engagement, occupation, task.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
preoccupation |
Used when someone is so absorbed in something that it distracts them from other activities or thoughts. It carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation.
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occupation |
Usually refers to a person's job or profession. It has a neutral connotation.
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engagement |
Often used to describe a formal agreement to get married or an arrangement to do something. It generally has a positive or neutral connotation.
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task |
Used to describe a specific piece of work that needs to be done. It carries a neutral connotation.
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commitment |
Refers to a strong dedication or obligation to a cause, relationship, or activity. This term has a positive connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His preoccupation as a chef left him with little time for socializing.
- The preoccupation with the project consumed all her energy.
- The preoccupation with deadlines made the team work overtime.
trouble
Preoccupation can also mean a state of being engrossed in something that causes worry or trouble.
Synonyms
anxiety, concern, trouble, worry.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
preoccupation |
Use this word when someone is so absorbed in thought about something that it distracts them from other things.
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concern |
Choose this word when the situation involves a sense of care or responsibility for something or someone, often with a hint of worry.
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anxiety |
This word fits when someone feels a strong sense of worry or dread, often about something specific or general in the future.
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worry |
Use this word for situations where someone is mentally disturbed by potential problems or uncertainties.
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trouble |
This word is suitable for situations where someone faces difficulties or problems. It has a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Her preoccupation with the upcoming exam made her anxious.
- The preoccupation with health issues kept him awake at night.
- The constant preoccupation with the future prevented her from enjoying the present.
Translations
Translations of the word "preoccupation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 preocupação
🇮🇳 चिंता
🇩🇪 Besorgnis
🇮🇩 kekhawatiran
🇺🇦 занепокоєння
🇵🇱 zmartwienie
🇯🇵 心配
🇫🇷 préoccupation
🇪🇸 preocupación
🇹🇷 endişe
🇰🇷 걱정
🇸🇦 قلق
🇨🇿 obava
🇸🇰 obava
🇨🇳 担心
🇸🇮 zaskrbljenost
🇮🇸 áhyggjur
🇰🇿 алаңдау
🇬🇪 შფოთვა
🇦🇿 narahatlıq
🇲🇽 preocupación
Etymology
The word 'preoccupation' has its origins in the late 16th century, from the French word 'préoccupation'. It combines the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' or 'in advance' with 'occupation', which originally referred to 'being seized by an idea or thought'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of being absorbed or deeply engaged in a particular activity or thought. The concept of preoccupation has been a common theme in psychology and philosophy, exploring the nature of human attention and focus.
See also: underoccupation.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,339, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 11336 reminding
- 11337 powerfully
- 11338 elongate
- 11339 preoccupation
- 11340 socialization
- 11341 pearls
- 11342 floral
- ...