concerning
Americanpreposition
adjective
preposition
adjective
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the lack of it was more concerning.
From Los Angeles Times
We’re entering the battlefront that Prime Minister Churchill described, and perhaps even more concerning… I’m making it easier for Fleetwood to find me.
From Literature
![]()
“This does appear to be the new normal for western monarchs, and it’s very concerning,” said Dan Fagin, a professor of science journalism at New York University who is writing a book on monarch butterflies.
From Los Angeles Times
The Department of Homeland Security said only "for operational security, ICE does not release information concerning deportation flight schedules."
From Barron's
She’s noticed a concerning trend among modern pet parents.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.