preoccupied
Americanadjective
-
completely engrossed in thought; absorbed.
- Synonyms:
- busy
-
previously occupied; taken; filled.
-
Biology. already used as a name for some species, genus, etc., and not available as a designation for any other.
adjective
-
engrossed or absorbed in something, esp one's own thoughts
-
already or previously occupied
-
biology (of a taxonomic name) already used to designate a genus, species, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of preoccupied
Explanation
When you're preoccupied, you're completely focused on whatever it is that you're doing. It's good to be preoccupied when you're driving, as long as you're preoccupied with the road and not with your cell phone. Have you ever been so preoccupied with another person that you couldn't hear or see anyone else when you were in the same room as them? Well, it sounds like you were in love! You can be preoccupied with a person, a place, or even a hobby, like collecting baseball cards or seashells. Preoccupied can also mean that you are wrapped up in your own thoughts, which is good if you find yourself to be the most amusing person in the world.
Vocabulary lists containing preoccupied
"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
I Am Malala
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Breadwinner
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"The defendant was so preoccupied with his own enrichment that he behaved in a shocking and disgraceful way," he said.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026
But like the current wellness movement, looksmaxxers are preoccupied with masculinity.
From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2026
For George Buckley, chief European economist at Japanese bank Nomura, climate change is becoming harder to ignore, even in a profession preoccupied with quarterly data.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
If anything, the upper crust have more time to be artistic — less preoccupied with getting a job and making a living.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026
Not to imply that I was overly preoccupied with any of this.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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.
