preoccupation
Preoccupation (noun) means something that dominates a person's thoughts and attention, often to the exclusion of other things. Example: “His main preoccupation these days is finishing the novel.”
How to Use Preoccupation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you keep thinking about, almost to the point of distraction.
Word Forms
preoccupations plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
His main _____ these days is finishing the novel.
Etymology
From Middle French préoccupation, from Latin praeoccupatio, built from pre- plus occupation.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for preoccupation
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “preoccupation” mean?
The word “preoccupation” means something that dominates a person's thoughts and attention, often to the exclusion of other things. In plain terms, something you keep thinking about, almost to the point of distraction.
How do you pronounce “preoccupation”?
“Preoccupation” is pronounced pree-ok-yuu-PAY-shuhn (/ˌpɹiɑkjʊˈpeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “preoccupation” in a sentence?
Here is “preoccupation” used in a sentence: “His main preoccupation these days is finishing the novel.”
What is another word for “preoccupation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “preoccupation” include preoccupancy.
What part of speech is “preoccupation”?
“Preoccupation” is a noun.
Where does the word “preoccupation” come from?
The word “preoccupation” comes from Latin. From Middle French préoccupation, from Latin praeoccupatio, built from pre- plus occupation.
Featured In
Vocabulary lists that include preoccupation: