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

New York also had a second message for us concerning a Japanese artist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Zeldin said the environmental agency will add microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its list of concerning chemicals in drinking water.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Ch Insp James Clements acknowledged the incident was "incredibly concerning" for people in the area and said police had deployed "significant resources" to find the gunman.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

"The data reflects a concerning trend," said researcher Chris Holstege, MD, the director of UVA Health's Blue Ridge Poison Center.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

For one thing, I was certain its body of knowledge concerning plane curves, angles, and polygons would help me design my rockets.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam