preoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is absorbed in their thoughts or distracted by something, often to the point of being unable to focus on other matters. Example: "She seemed preoccupied during the meeting, lost in her own thoughts about the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For much of its first hour, Mad Dogs US seems overly preoccupied with underlining the tension between its leads in thick marker pen, making it seem less like a high-octane thriller and more like a sulky stag night.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I wonder if we would look similar in the eyes of some larger being, preoccupied with our own esoteric labours and rituals.

The Guardian

Third, Labor was preoccupied with its internal leadership hari-kiri as Tony Abbott began the anti-carbon tax campaign and was flat-footed in its responses.

The Guardian

He says that while he and I would never dream of failing to acknowledge our own children, he believes Turner was too preoccupied to think about them.

The Guardian - Film

This is the life I lived and these are the people with whom I was preoccupied between 1931 and 1942.

The Guardian - Books

Unfortunately, our blinkered major political parties, business lobbies and media refuse to see the global carbon budget emergency because they are preoccupied with the self-interest of parochial budget figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Griffin said what struck him most about his students was the fact that they "were just real people," interested in his life and travels but also preoccupied by the same worries as students the world over: from relationships to weekend plans.

The Guardian

And her Mail columns reveal that she is also preoccupied by the bodies of other women.

The Guardian

Might it, however, be the case that National Geographic was so preoccupied with whether or not it could commission a seven-tonne T rex, it didn't stop to think if it should?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sherwood admits he has been so preoccupied with keeping Villa up that he has not had chance to think much about leading the club out at Wembley, but he sounds genuine when he talks about it being a huge honour.

The Guardian - Sport

Excessively preoccupied about how he looked and how he appeared to others, he responded to his girlfriend's doubts by suddenly buying two prestige Audis – a his and a hers – just before the crash.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preoccupied", consider whether a more specific term like "engrossed", "distracted", or "absorbed" might provide a clearer or more nuanced understanding of the person's state of mind.

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupied" interchangeably with terms that imply active engagement or enjoyment. "Preoccupied" often carries a connotation of distraction or worry, unlike "engrossed" or "absorbed", which suggest positive immersion.

Linguistic Context

Preoccupied primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of being mentally or emotionally absorbed in something, often to the exclusion of other things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, illustrating how it modifies nouns to indicate a distraction or deep thought process, as evidenced by multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "preoccupied" accurately describes someone engrossed in thought or distracted, and Ludwig AI affirms its proper use in English. It commonly indicates a state of being absorbed in one's thoughts to the exclusion of other matters. With a very common frequency, it appears mainly in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. Related alternatives include "absorbed", "engrossed", and "distracted". When using "preoccupied", ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, and consider more specific terms when appropriate. The phrase's consistent use across reputable sources, as identified by Ludwig, underscores its reliability and versatility in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorbed

Focuses on being completely engaged or engrossed in something, often to the exclusion of other things.

engrossed

Implies being deeply involved and captivated by something.

distracted

Highlights the inability to focus due to external or internal stimuli.

inattentive

Suggests a lack of attention or focus on the present situation.

absent-minded

Indicates a tendency to forget or be unaware of one's surroundings due to being lost in thought.

wrapped up in

Describes being completely involved or immersed in something.

caught up in

Similar to "wrapped up in", but often implies being unexpectedly or unintentionally involved.

lost in thought

Emphasizes the mental state of being deeply immersed in one's own thoughts.

immersed in

Indicates a deep level of involvement or engagement in something.

focused elsewhere

Highlights that one's attention is directed towards something other than the present situation.

FAQs

How can I use "preoccupied" in a sentence?

You can use "preoccupied" to describe someone who is absorbed in their thoughts or distracted by something. For example, "She seemed "preoccupied" during the meeting, lost in her own thoughts about the upcoming project."

What's a less formal alternative to "preoccupied"?

Less formal alternatives to "preoccupied" include "distracted", "inattentive", or "absent-minded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "preoccupied by" or "preoccupied with" something?

Both "preoccupied by" and "preoccupied with" are grammatically correct. "Preoccupied with" is generally more common, but "preoccupied by" can be used to emphasize the cause of the preoccupation.

What's the difference between "preoccupied" and "obsessed"?

"Preoccupied" suggests being absorbed in thought or distracted, while "obsessed" implies an excessive and often irrational preoccupation. "Obsessed" carries a much stronger connotation than "preoccupied".