concerning

American  

[kuhn-sur-ning] / kənˈsɜr nɪŋ /

preposition

1. relating to; regarding; about.

   We attended a discussion concerning foreign aid.

---

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

---

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

For energy investors, the shift in momentum is concerning.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, welcomed the strategy but said, despite government commitments on waiting lists, "the picture for women remains deeply concerning".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

During talks in Pakistan, the U.S. asked Iran to agree not to enrich uranium for 20 years, people familiar with the matter said, softening previous demands concerning Tehran’s nuclear program.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“Current data raises questions concerning these predicate assumptions,” wrote Nori Gerardo Lietz of Harvard Business School in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

He wanted to draw Blount out completely so that he could understand certain questions concerning him.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers