What does "concern" mean?
That which affects one’s welfare or happiness. A matter of interest to someone.
Concern
/kənˈsɝn/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which affects one’s welfare or happiness. A matter of interest to someone.
- Grammar: concern is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: business, worry, absorb, academic discipline.
- Useful contrasts: apathy, calm, carefree.
- Usage evidence: Excessive concern with safety can be dangerous.
How to use "concern"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "concern" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "concern" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "concern" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "concern" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "concern" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "business" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "concern", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which affects one’s welfare or happiness. A matter of interest to someone. countable, uncountable
"Mark’s health was of great concern to Connie."
- 2 something that interests you because it is important or affects you wordnet
- 3 The placement of interest or worry on a subject. countable, uncountable
"Most people in Australia have no concern for the recent events in London."
- 4 something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness wordnet
- 5 A worry; a sense that something may be wrong; an identification of a possible problem. countable, uncountable
"Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the document."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a feeling of sympathy for someone or something wordnet
- 7 The expression of solicitude, anxiety, or compassion toward a thing or person. countable, uncountable
"Judy's eyes filled with concern as she listened to the news report."
- 8 an anxious feeling wordnet
- 9 A business, firm or enterprise; a company. countable, uncountable
"The employees’ attitude is really hurting the concern."
- 10 a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it wordnet
- 11 Any set of information that affects the code of a computer program. countable, uncountable
"At the programming level, an aspect is a modular unit that implements a concern."
Verb
- 1 To relate or belong to; to have reference to or connection with; to affect the interest of; to be of importance to. transitive
"Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ."
- 2 be relevant to wordnet
- 3 To engage by feeling or sentiment; to interest. transitive
"A good prince concerns himself in the happiness of his subjects."
- 4 be on the mind of wordnet
- 5 To make somebody worried. transitive
"I’m concerned that she’s becoming an alcoholic."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Excessive concern with safety can be dangerous."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "concern"?
Common synonyms include: business, worry, absorb, academic discipline, academic personal interest, academic specialty.
How do you use "concern" in a sentence?
Excessive concern with safety can be dangerous.
How do you pronounce "concern"?
Pronounced /kənˈsɝn/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French concerner, from Medieval Latin concernō, concernere (“I distinguish, have respect to”), from Latin concernō (“I mix, sift, or mingle together, as in a sieve”), combined form of con- + cernō (“distinguish”).