DictionaryAI

concern

Saykuhn-SURN/kənˈsɝn/UK/kənˈsɜːn/

Pluralconcerns

Verbconcerns, concerning, concerned

8 meanings of concern

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A worried feeling about something that might be wrong or need attention.

    Like a small alarm in your head warning you that something might go wrong.

    She had a strong concern that the plan would fail.

    There was real concern about the storm coming closer.

    UsageSay concern about something.

    Similarworry, anxiety, unease, disquiet, apprehension

  2. 2
    be aboutverbtransitive
    To be about something, or to have an effect on someone.

    Such rules concern everyone who drives a car.

    This chapter concerns the early history of the city.

    UsageSay as far as money is concerned.

    Similaraffect, involve, touch

    Note
  3. 3
    important matternouncountable
    Something that matters to you because it affects your life.

    Keeping his family safe was his biggest concern.

    That problem is the manager's concern, not yours.

    UsageSay it is of concern to someone, or none of your concern.

    Similarinterest

    Oppositeunconcern

    Note
  4. 4
    make worriedverbtransitive
    To make someone feel worried about something.

    Don't let one bad grade concern you too much.

    It concerns me that he hasn't called all week.

    UsageSay I'm concerned about it, or it concerns me.

    Similarworry, trouble, disturb, bother, alarm

    Oppositereassure, comfort, calm, soothe

  5. 5
    sympathynoununcountable
    Care or worry that you show for someone you care about.

    She showed deep concern for her sick friend.

    He patted the trembling dog with obvious concern.

    UsageSay concern for someone.

    Similarcare

    Oppositeindifference, disregard, neglect

  6. 6
    interest someoneverbtransitive
    To make someone feel interested or involved.

    I don't concern myself with what other people wear.

    The only thing that concerns him is whether his team wins.

    UsageSay I don't concern myself with that.

    Similaroccupy, interest, engage, involve, bother

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 7
    companynouncountable
    A company or business that sells goods or services.

    The bakery on the corner is a small family concern.

    The shipping concern employs hundreds of workers.

    UsageSay a family concern. A going concern is a business that is working and expected to keep going.

    Similarbusiness, firm, company, enterprise, operation

    Note
  2. 8
    noun
    A part of a computer program that handles one job or idea.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of concern apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through French from Latin. The Latin word first meant to mix or sift together, and later meant to distinguish or have respect to.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts