French word

préoccupant

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁeokypɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveworrying

Example

La hausse des prix est préoccupante.

The rise in prices is worrying.

Illustration for préoccupant (worrying)

More examples

Le comportement de l'enfant est préoccupant.

The child's behavior is concerning.

Core concept

A warning sign that draws attention because trouble may be worsening.

Common phrases

  • un développement préoccupant

    a concerning development

  • un comportement préoccupant

    a concerning behavior

  • un élément préoccupant

    a concerning element

Similar words

inquiétant: Something that causes anxiety or concern, such as a troubling problem or report.
sérieux: A serious condition or problem that cannot be safely ignored.
alarmant: A situation or event that creates strong alarm and calls for prompt action.

Definition in French

Qui suscite l'inquiétude en signalant un danger, un problème ou une aggravation possible.

Word origin

Préoccupant is the present participle used as an adjective from préoccuper, ultimately from Latin praeoccupare, meaning 'to occupy beforehand'.

Usage tips

  • Préoccupant describes a situation or thing that causes concern, while a concerned person is usually described as préoccupé or préoccupée.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word