concern
noun (uncountable)
UK/kənˈsɜːn/US/kənˈsɝːn/
A feeling of worry, anxiety, or unease about something or someone.
Example Sentences
She expressed her concerns about the upcoming exam, fearing she might not be prepared.
His main concern is whether the project will be completed on time.
They voiced their concerns regarding the new policy changes that could affect their work-life balance.
Despite her outward calm, she harbored deep concerns about the future.
Financial concerns forced the family to make significant lifestyle adjustments.
The teacher noticed the student's concerns and offered extra support to help alleviate them.
Environmental concerns have led to stricter regulations on industrial emissions.
The community voiced its concerns about the proposed development plans, fearing negative impacts on the local ecosystem and quality of life.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/kəmˈpeə(r)/US/kəmˈper/
To cause someone to worry; to be a source of anxiety or concern for someone.
Example Sentences
The recent layoffs concern many employees about their job security.
Her sudden departure from the project concerns the entire team.
The increasing crime rates in the area concern the local residents.
Your health concerns are very important to us; please let us know how we can assist you.
The environmental impact of the new factory concerns both the community and local wildlife.
His lack of communication concerns his supervisors about his commitment to the role.
The financial instability of the company concerns its stakeholders.
The ongoing delays in the project concern the clients, who are eager to see it completed on schedule.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A feeling of worry or important interest about an issue or situation.As a noun, this term refers to an issue that causes worry or that one considers significant—“Her biggest concern is the project deadline.” It can also mean a matter of personal or collective importance—“Public safety is a primary concern.” In verb form, “to concern” indicates that something is important or relevant to someone—“This decision concerns everyone in the team.” Grammatically, you might say, “I’m concerned about the upcoming exam,” focusing on worry, or “This policy concerns the entire department,” highlighting relevance. When writing or speaking, clarify whether you’re addressing worry (“I have concerns about my health”) or a vested interest (“This issue should concern us all”). If you wish to show a stronger emotional impact, mention the specific reasons—like potential risks, negative outcomes, or the importance of a topic—and how it affects the individuals involved. By specifying context—public concern, personal concern, health concern—you sharpen the understanding of what’s generating the worry or why something is deemed so critical. Whether expressing emotional worry, professional responsibility, or societal interest, “concern” underscores the seriousness or significance of a matter that merits attention.
Alternatives
Synonyms vary by nuance. If you’re emphasizing worry, consider words like “anxiety,” “apprehension,” or “unease.” For interest or relevance, try “matter,” “issue,” “topic,” or “affair.” “Regard” or “pertain to” can replace “concern” when you need to show how something applies to someone—“That rule pertains to all employees.” If you want a more neutral or formal tone, “note,” “attention,” or “regarding” might suit documents or emails—“This memo is regarding the customer feedback.” Meanwhile, “affect” or “impact” may convey that something has concrete consequences on people or processes. Selecting synonyms lets you target the shade of meaning you need: a sense of alarm, a significant matter, or simply a relevant detail. By varying your language, you avoid repetition and keep the focus tight—whether underscoring fear, importance, or a subject that requires due attention.
Writing
In written texts, “concern” can highlight issues that matter deeply to an individual or community, prompting action or reflection. For example, in an essay, you might discuss how environmental concerns drive policy changes. In reports, phrases like “major concerns include funding and timelines” outline factors that require swift solutions. To lend weight to your argument, pair it with examples or data—“One pressing concern is the rising cost of healthcare, as indicated by a 20% premium increase last year.” In persuasive or policy-oriented writing, “expressing concern” is a diplomatic approach to introduce critique—“We express concern about the potential drawbacks of this proposal.” Vary your structure for clarity: “Key concerns,” “growing concerns,” or “chief concerns” can open paragraphs that detail specific problems. If personal or emotional undertones are critical, incorporate examples of how the concern impacts daily life—“Her primary concern is balancing work with caregiving duties.” Ultimately, placing “concern” in context—whether personal, social, or professional—grounds your message in urgency or importance, guiding the reader toward understanding why the issue demands care and consideration.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “concern” mainly reflects worries or pressing issues—“My only concern is whether we’ll have enough time.” Friends may ask, “Should I be concerned?” to gauge if a situation is serious. If you’re giving advice, you might say, “I understand your concerns about moving to a new city,” showing empathy. If someone is anxious, a quick reply like “No need to be concerned—everything’s sorted” can reassure them. For neutral or broader matters, casual speech might weave in phrases like “That’s not really my concern,” implying a lack of relevance or personal stake. Using synonyms like “worry,” “issue,” or “problem” can soften or sharpen the tone, depending on whether you want to sound empathetic or detached. Overall, “concern” is flexible in casual contexts, signaling anything from mild curiosity to serious unease. If you find repetition creeping in, alternate with more colloquial expressions—“It’s bugging me,” “I’m bothered by it,” or “It’s weighing on my mind”—to maintain a conversational, relatable flow.
Etymology
The word “concern” derives from the Late Middle English term “concerne,” rooted in the Old French “concerner,” which in turn stems from the Latin “concernere,” meaning “to sift together,” “mix in,” or “have relation to.” Originally, it emphasized an issue that directly or closely relates to someone’s well-being or responsibilities. Over centuries, as commerce, governance, and personal affairs grew more complex, the term expanded to encapsulate both practical significance—like matters affecting one’s domain—and emotional weight—like worries or anxieties. Thus, modern usage highlights either the objective relevance of a topic to one’s interests (“This policy concerns small businesses”) or the subjective feeling of apprehension (“She was deeply concerned about her mother’s health”). Despite shifting contexts, the core idea persists: something that directly involves or impacts a person, prompting care, reflection, or worry.