concern

Pluralconcerns

Formsconcerns, concerning, concerned

1. 1
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A feeling of worry, or the sense that something may be wrong and needs attention, often directed at a particular matter.

   There is growing concern about the safety of the old bridge.

   Parents voiced concern over the new school policy.

   UsageConcern about or over something: concern about safety. Often growing concern or cause for concern.

   Similarworry, anxiety, unease, disquiet, apprehension

2. 2
   be aboutverbtransitive

   To relate to or have a bearing on someone or something; to be of importance to them.

   The new law concerns all small business owners in the state.

   These changes concern every department in the company.

   UsageCommon in as far as X is concerned, meaning regarding X: as far as money is concerned, we're fine.

   Similaraffect, involve, touch

   Note

   The King James Bible of 1611 speaks of things which concern the Lord. Source

   Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

   • The King James Bible was first published in 1611. wwwe.lib.cam.ac.uk
   • The King James Bible contains 'things which concern the Lord'. en.wikisource.org
3. 3
   important matternouncountable

   A matter that affects one's welfare or happiness; something of importance to a person.

   Her children's happiness remained her chief concern.

   What I do with my free time is my own concern and nobody else's.

   UsageOften of great or little concern to someone; none of your concern means it is not your business.

   Similarinterest

   Oppositeunconcern

   Note

   Here the noun names what matters to someone, not how they feel about it. The opposite is unconcern, which describes a person who does not care rather than a matter that does not count.

4. 4
   make worriedverbtransitive

   To cause someone to feel worried.

   It concerned the neighbors that the old bridge might not survive another flood.

   Reports of the outbreak deeply concern local health officials.

   UsageOften It concerns me that ...; for the person, the adjective is concerned about: I'm concerned about him.

   Similarworry, trouble, disturb, bother, alarm

   Oppositereassure, comfort, calm, soothe

5. 5
   sympathynoununcountable

   A show of care, worry, or sympathy toward a person or thing.

   Like a parent staying up all night to watch over a sick child.

   The nurse's concern for her patients was clear to everyone.

   They expressed concern for the families affected by the flood.

   UsageConcern for a person: she showed concern for her patients. People express or show concern.

   Similarcare

   Oppositeindifference, disregard, neglect

6. 6
   interest someoneverbtransitive

   To engage someone's feelings or interest.

   Few voters concern themselves with the fine print of the zoning code.

   She refused to concern herself with the office gossip about the new manager.

   UsageOften concern yourself with something: I don't concern myself with gossip.

   Similaroccupy, interest, engage, involve, bother

   Note

   Older usage took in where we now say with (a prince concerns himself in his subjects' happiness). There, concerned to solicit meant keen to, not anxious, so keep it apart from the verb of worrying. Source

   Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

   • Older usage allowed reflexive concern with in, as illustrated by the prince example. en.wiktionary.org
   • Concerned to solicit is attested under the historical sense of taking an interest, supporting the interpretation keen to. en.wiktionary.org

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