The definition of preoccupied is someone who is busy with or engaged in something. An example of preoccupied is a person who is texting while driving.

Is preoccupied the same as busy?

As adjectives the difference between busy and preoccupied

is that busy is crowded with business or activities; having a great deal going on while preoccupied is concerned with something else; distracted; giving one's attention elsewhere.

What does it mean when someone says they are preoccupied?

preoccupied Add to list Share. When you're preoccupied, you're completely focused on whatever it is that you're doing. It's good to be preoccupied when you're driving, as long as you're preoccupied with the road and not with your cell phone.