concern
verb (used with object)
to relate to; be connected with; be of interest or importance to; affect.
were concerning
-
past progressiveof concern.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 union, in a statement released Tuesday, did not detail the accusations against Chavez but said they were concerning enough for the organization to take action.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026
The results of "urgent" blood tests were "concerning" and indicated a possible serious infection or inflammation, so his GP told him to go to hospital.
From BBC ● Mar. 16, 2026
She asked Stevens if he thought the Facebook posts were concerning and whether it was a “red flag” that Bartelsmeyer’s application requested that several of his prior employers not be contacted.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 25, 2023
One of the five, a senior manager at CATL, who like others asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Xi's remarks were concerning for the whole industry.
From Reuters ● Mar. 10, 2023
Conversations were concerning sunstroke; while butter-making, and still more butter-keeping, was a despair.
From Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
