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

Jed Michael, a research economist at the IFS, said the current trend was concerning because "we know that unemployment early in one's career can have lasting negative consequences".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The effect may be more concerning for people who already have hypertension or existing heart or liver disease.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

“That makes it all the more concerning for those using weight-loss drugs in an ad hoc or unregistered way.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

He isn’t putting up Hogwarts trailer numbers, but those polls are good indicators of a general nonchalance concerning the harm that famous people do.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

“She’s got some sort of notion in her head concerning the eternal rights of women; and—you understand—we meet in the morning at the breakfast table.”

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin