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Preoccupation: meaning, definitions and examples

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preoccupation

 

[ priːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mental state

A preoccupation is a thought or activity that you give all your attention to.

Synonyms

concern, fixation, obsession, obsessiveness

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.
Context #2 | Noun

occupation

Preoccupation can also refer to a job or activity that keeps someone very busy.

Synonyms

commitment, engagement, occupation, task

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.
Context #3 | Noun

trouble

Preoccupation can also mean a state of being engrossed in something that causes worry or trouble.

Synonyms

anxiety, concern, trouble, worry

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.