Preoccupied: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone is so involved in their thoughts or something else that they are not paying attention to what is happening around them.

• She was too preoccupied with her own problems to notice the change in his mood
• He seemed preoccupied during the meeting and didn't contribute much

This word is used when someone is unable to concentrate because their attention is being pulled in different directions.

• She was easily distracted by the noise outside
• He felt distracted during his exam because of personal issues he was dealing with

This term is used when someone is deeply focused or immersed in an activity to the extent that they lose awareness of their surroundings.

• He was so absorbed in his book that he didn't hear me calling him
• They were absorbed in their games and didn't notice how late it had gotten

This term is used when someone is fully involved and interested in an activity or conversation.

• The children were fully engaged in the interactive lesson
• He was engaged in a deep conversation with his friend

When someone is deeply absorbed in their thoughts or distracted by a specific concern and may not respond to external stimuli.

• She was so preoccupied with her project that she forgot to eat lunch

When a place, seat, or position is being taken up by someone or something, often implying it is currently in use.

• The restroom is occupied, you'll have to wait

When something, such as a venue or service, has been reserved in advance and is not available for others.

• The hotel was fully booked during the holiday season

When a person, service, or item cannot be reached, obtained, or is not ready for use at a given moment.

• The manager is currently unavailable for a meeting