preoccupied

American  

[pree-ok-yuh-pahyd] / priˈɒk yəˌpaɪd /

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.

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preoccupied British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• preoccupiedly adverb
• preoccupiedness noun
• unpreoccupied adjective

Etymology

Origin of preoccupied

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

Example Sentences

Yet Americans seem to have gotten less worried about nuclear weapons since the Cold War: A Pew poll last year found a public preoccupied by terrorism, climate change, pandemics, and other issues.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

While her classmates were preoccupied with exams, the May ball and where to spend their summers, Franks was worried about making her rent.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

China is struggling to maintain its annual growth target of 5% and is preoccupied with exporting its excess production.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

In Kramer’s film, Juliette Lewis plays Camille, an absurdly chic yet financially strapped woman preoccupied with keeping up appearances for no reason other than that it’s what’s expected of her.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Not to imply that I was overly preoccupied with any of this.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

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