preoccupied

[pree-ok-yuh-pahyd]

adjective

1. completely engrossed in thought; absorbed.

   Synonyms: busy

2. previously occupied; taken; filled.

3. Biology.,  already used as a name for some species, genus, etc., and not available as a designation for any other.

preoccupied

/ priːˈɒkjʊˌpaɪd /

adjective

1. engrossed or absorbed in something, esp one's own thoughts

2. already or previously occupied

3. biology (of a taxonomic name) already used to designate a genus, species, etc

Other Word Forms

• preoccupiedly adverb
• preoccupiedness noun
• unpreoccupied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupied¹

First recorded in 1835–45; preoccupy + -ed ²

Example Sentences

At a time of the year typically dedicated to scoreboard watching and monitoring the standings, the team had instead been preoccupied by its own inconsistent play.

From Los Angeles Times

"We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and occupation and bloodshed."

From BBC

Half of them are less preoccupied by the mystery of the missing kids as they are with the drama of their own lives, from tension with their boss to a desperate need for cash.

From Los Angeles Times

England don't want to get too preoccupied with defensive play and have to think about how they can get themselves into good offensive situations.

From BBC

But that process takes time, and Congress has been preoccupied with the president's flagship domestic legislation – the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" – meaning that there has been no time or political capital for other priorities.

From BBC

Related Words

• absorbed 
• bemused 
• distracted 
• engaged 
• engrossed 
• fascinated 
• forgetful 
• obsessed