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
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
Given its finite resources and its preoccupation with Ukraine, Moscow’s ability to shape outcomes to its advantage in other parts of the world is highly constrained.
—
Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025
In the subsequent Curbed article, former employees described Sachs’ studio as hostile and unduly strict, and its leader as prone to using offensive language, as well as other eyebrow-raising practices that seemingly drew from his artistic preoccupation with political oppression.
—Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 18 Feb. 2025
As the world prepares for Trump’s return, the parallels between his preoccupations and the distant age of American imperialism in the late 19th century are becoming more relevant.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Call it an entrancing preoccupation, along with language itself.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
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Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025
In the subsequent Curbed article, former employees described Sachs’ studio as hostile and unduly strict, and its leader as prone to using offensive language, as well as other eyebrow-raising practices that seemingly drew from his artistic preoccupation with political oppression.
—Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 18 Feb. 2025
As the world prepares for Trump’s return, the parallels between his preoccupations and the distant age of American imperialism in the late 19th century are becoming more relevant.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Call it an entrancing preoccupation, along with language itself.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupation. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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