preoccupied

adjective

pre·​oc·​cu·​pied (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd 

1

: previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense

—used of a biological generic or specific name

2

a

: lost in thought

also : absorbed in some preoccupation

b

: already occupied

Synonyms of preoccupied

• distracted

Choose the Right Synonym for preoccupied

abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absent-minded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration.

abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

absent-minded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absent-minded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

Examples of preoccupied in a Sentence

too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal

Recent Examples on the Web

Sourcing Similar to other empirical approaches, sourcing analysis studies are also preoccupied with questions of audience voice, among wider questions of power and access to public debate. —Daniel Jackson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

Whether despite this background or because of it, young Zac becomes preoccupied with the outward signs of extreme wealth, luxury cars especially, in a manner somewhat precocious but not entirely remarkable for a teenage boy. —Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

When leaders become too preoccupied with managing feelings, people get less practice handling frustration, taking correction, and functioning under pressure—the very experiences that build resilience. —Jonathan Alpert Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

To many in the city, Tubbs was indeed too preoccupied with non-city matters. —Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupied

• self-preoccupied

Rhymes for preoccupied

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

Kids Definition

preoccupied

adjective

pre·​oc·​cu·​pied (ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpīd 

1

: lost in thought : engrossed

2

: already occupied