WordGarden.ioconcern
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kənsˈɜːn/
US
- /kənˈsɜrn/
Meanings
Noun
worry or anxiety about something
a matter that needs attention or is important to someone
a business or company
Verb
to make someone worried or uneasy
to be about or deal with a subject
to involve or be relevant to someone or something
Beyond the definition
To have concern for someone is to feel worry, sympathy, or interest in their well-being. It is more than just noticing a situation; it is feeling a sense of responsibility or connection. You might express concern when a friend is going through a hard time, or you might voice concerns about a new policy at work.
Concern is also frequently used to describe specific matters that cause worry or require attention—such as environmental, financial, or health concerns. A doctor might address your medical concerns during an appointment, while a politician might try to ease the public's concerns about rising inflation. Essentially, it is anything that weighs on your mind or requires thoughtful consideration.
The word concern is surprisingly versatile, encompassing feelings, subjects of interest, and even formal business structures. At its heart, it relates to a feeling of worry, care, or interest regarding someone or something. It is not simply acknowledging an issue; it is being emotionally or practically invested in the outcome.
In a personal sense, you might express concern directly: "I am deeply concerned about your health," which shows empathy and a desire for well-being. Conversely, saying someone has "no concern for others" implies a lack of compassion. Beyond emotion, concern functions as a noun describing the subject of worry itself, such as "security concerns." These are issues that demand attention and often require immediate action.
Historically, concern comes from the Latin concernere, meaning "to mix together," and later developed through Old French with the sense "to affect" or "to relate to." This highlights the core idea of being connected to something. This is why we use the verb to say, "This matter does not concern you," meaning it doesn't relate to or affect you. Finally, in more formal or older English, a concern can refer to a commercial company or business, often seen in the phrase "a going concern," describing a firm that is operating and expected to continue.
Examples
- 1
Job search
My main concern is finding a job after graduation.
- 2
Parent worries
Parents have raised concerns about the lack of safe places for children to play.
- 3
Rising prices
There is growing concern that food prices will keep rising.
- 4
Medical visit
The doctor listened carefully to all of her concerns.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Formal subject
The report mainly concerns road safety in big cities.
- Usageconcern
be about; this use is more formal
- 6
Workplace impact
This decision concerns everyone who works here.
- Patternconcern + person/group
affect or involve them
- 7
Personal boundaries
Please don't concern yourself with what other people are earning.
- Patternconcern yourself with + topic
give your time or attention to it
- 8
Family costs
For many families, childcare costs are a serious concern.
- 9
Environmental issues
Environmental concerns have changed the way the company makes its products.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- alarm
- misgiving
- apprehension
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- cause concern
- express concern
- growing concern
- serious concern
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- concernnounverb
Forms
- concernedpast tenseverbnoun
- concernspluralnounverb
- concerning-ing formverbnoun