concerning

American  

[kuhn-sur-ning] / kənˈsɜr nɪŋ /

preposition

1. relating to; regarding; about.

   We attended a discussion concerning foreign aid.

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adjective

1. causing concern, worry, or anxiety.

   The increase in unlicensed practitioners is concerning.

   The more concerning elements of the sport were swept under the rug.

concerning British  

/ kənˈsɜːnɪŋ /

preposition

1. about; regarding; on the subject of

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adjective

1. worrying or troublesome

Etymology

Origin of concerning

First recorded in 1375–1425; concern ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does concerning compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• disconcerting vs. concerning

Example Sentences

One community member said she felt defeated because documents concerning a proposed large-scale data center next to her home “might as well be in Klingon.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who on Saturday had called booking West "deeply concerning", said Tuesday that the 48-year-old hip-hop star "should never have been invited to headline Wireless".

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

It could affect broader actions concerning environmental stewardship, corporate responsibility and federal oversight.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the prospect of West headlining the festival "deeply concerning" and said the antisemitism in any form was "abhorrent".

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

This latest discovery of a new and baffling rhyme concerning moonlight, the north and an unknown threshold nagged at his brain.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques