noun
C2
Proficient
preoccupation
pree-ok-yuu-PAY-shuhn
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.”
noun
1
Something that dominates a person's thoughts and attention, often to the exclusion of other things.
"His main preoccupation these days is finishing the novel."
"A preoccupation with money can strain relationships."
How to use preoccupation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you keep thinking about, almost to the point of distraction.
Common pairings
a preoccupation with
main preoccupation
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Word forms
- Plural
- preoccupations
Fill the gap
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His main _____ these days is finishing the novel.
Etymology
From Middle French préoccupation, from Latin praeoccupatio, built from pre- plus occupation.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for preoccupation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all 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.
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