concern

noun

UK /kənˈsɜː(r)n/

Word Forms

singular	concern
plural	concerns

1
uncountable a feeling of worry about something, especially one that a lot of people have about an important issue
concern about/over/at:
Many people expressed concern over moves to restore the death penalty.
There’s a lot of public concern about modern farming methods.
concern that:
There is some concern that the country may slide into civil war.
express/voice concern:
Many people have voiced concern over the proposed changes in the law.
cause concern/be a cause for concern:
Doctors said her condition was causing concern.
growing/widespread concern:
There is growing concern about the safety of mobile phones.
a matter of concern (=something that makes people feel worried):
The issue of alcohol-related crime is becoming a matter of great concern.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of worry and nervousness
worry
concern
stress
1. 1a
  countable something that worries you
  Landfill sites raise some important environmental concerns.
  concern about/over:
  The trip was cancelled because of concerns about safety.
  raise/express/voice concerns:
  Many doctors have raised concerns about the drug.
  deep/grave concerns:
  The changes have raised deep concerns in the local community.
  main/major concern:
  Eighteen percent of people said unemployment was their main concern.
  Synonyms and related words
  People and things that cause worry or problems
  a bone of contention
  a hostage to fortune
  a nail in the coffin
2
countable/uncountable something that you think is important
My only concern is to find my daughter.
main/primary/major concern:
Our primary concern is to give our clients practical care.
Synonyms and related words
Important thing or detail
feature
priority
element
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with concern
▪ central, chief, main, major, overriding, primary, principal
3
uncountable a feeling that you care about someone and want them to be happy and well
concern for:
He showed a complete lack of concern for the children’s welfare.
genuine concern:
‘Are you alright?’ she said with genuine concern.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of love, respect and admiration
love
respect
passion
4
singular always in negativesif something is not your concern, you are not responsible for it and do not need to become involved in it
His private life is no concern of ours.
Synonyms and related words
Responsibilities and responsibility
accountability
responsibility
obligation
1. 4a
  singular if something is your concern, you are responsible for it and have to deal with it
  If children are missing school then that is the parents’ concern.
  Synonyms and related words
  Responsibilities and responsibility
  accountability
  responsibility
  obligation
5
countable a business
a large concern employing 60 people
Synonyms and related words
General types of business or company
account
acquisition
affiliate

phrases

of concern to someone

concern

noun

US /kənˈsɜrn/

Word Forms

singular	concern
plural	concerns

1
uncountable a feeling of worry about something, especially one that a lot of people have about an important issue
concern about/over/at:
Many people expressed concern over moves to restore the death penalty.
There’s a lot of public concern about modern farming methods.
concern that:
There is some concern that the country may slide into civil war.
express/voice concern:
Many people have voiced concern over the proposed changes in the law.
cause concern/be a cause for concern:
Her doctor said her condition was causing concern.
growing/widespread concern:
There is growing concern about the safety of cell phones.
a matter of concern (=something that makes people feel worried):
The issue of alcohol-related crime is becoming a matter of great concern.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of worry and nervousness
worry
concern
stress
1. 1a
  countable something that worries you
  Landfill sites raise some important environmental concerns.
  main/major concern:
  Eighteen percent of people said unemployment was their main concern.
  raise/express/voice concerns:
  Many doctors have raised concerns about the drug.
  Synonyms and related words
  People and things that cause worry or problems
  a bone of contention
  a hostage to fortune
  a nail in the coffin
2
countable/uncountable something that you think is important
My only concern is to find my daughter.
main/primary/major concern:
Our primary concern is to give our clients a professional service.
Synonyms and related words
Important thing or detail
feature
priority
element
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with concern
▪ central, chief, main, major, overriding, primary, principal
3
uncountable a feeling that you care about someone and want them to be happy and well
concern for:
He showed a complete lack of concern for the children’s welfare.
genuine concern:
“Are you alright?” she said with genuine concern.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of love, respect and admiration
love
respect
passion
4
singular always in negativesif something is not your concern, you are not responsible for it and do not need to become involved in it
His private life is no concern of ours.
Synonyms and related words
Responsibilities and responsibility
accountability
responsibility
obligation
1. 4a
  singular if something is your concern, you are responsible for it and have to deal with it
  If those children are skipping school then that is the parents’ concern.
  Synonyms and related words
  Responsibilities and responsibility
  accountability
  responsibility
  obligation
5
countable a business
a large concern employing 600 people
Synonyms and related words
General types of business or company
account
acquisition
affiliate

phrases

of concern to someone

concern

verb transitive

UK /kənˈsɜː(r)n/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	concern
he/she/it	concerns
present participle	concerning
past tense	concerned
past participle	concerned

1
never passiveto worry someone
It concerns me that these people are not getting the support they need.
We want to know about the issues that concern you, the voters.
Synonyms and related words
To make someone worried or nervous
worry
concern
tear apart
2
to be about a particular subject
The story concerns a man who was a friend of mine.
be concerned with something:
My work is primarily concerned with the connections between people in the public and private spheres.
Synonyms and related words
To be connected with or related to something
link
surround
correspond
3
never progressiveto involve or affect someone
My past doesn’t concern you.
These changes concern everyone who has children of school age.
Synonyms and related words
To have an effect
shape
impact
affect

phrases

concern yourself

to whom it may concern

concern

verb transitive

US /kənˈsɜrn/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	concern
he/she/it	concerns
present participle	concerning
past tense	concerned
past participle	concerned

1
never passiveto worry someone
It concerns me that these people are not getting the support they need.
We want to know about the issues that concern you, the voters.
Synonyms and related words
To make someone worried or nervous
worry
concern
tear apart
2
to be about a particular subject
The story concerns a man who was a friend of mine.
be concerned with something:
My work is primarily concerned with the connections between people in the public and private spheres.
Synonyms and related words
To be connected with or related to something
link
surround
correspond
3
never progressiveto involve or affect someone
My past doesn’t concern you.
These changes concern everyone who has school-age children.
Synonyms and related words
To have an effect
affect
shape
impact

phrases

concern yourself

to whom it may concern

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