What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obsession
Example
He has an obsession with cleanliness and spends hours cleaning his house. [obsession: noun]
Example
She is obsessed with her appearance and spends hours in front of the mirror. [obsessed: adjective]
preoccupation
Example
He was preoccupied with his work and forgot to eat lunch. [preoccupied: adjective]
Example
She has a preoccupation with her health and is always worried about getting sick. [preoccupation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preoccupation is more commonly used than obsession in everyday language. Preoccupation is a more general term that can cover a wide range of contexts, while obsession is a more specific and extreme term that is often associated with mental health issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obsession and preoccupation?
Both obsession and preoccupation can be used in formal and informal contexts, but obsession may be more commonly associated with clinical or psychological language.
