concern

A feeling of worry about someone or something.

• His silence caused concern.
• There is growing concern about the missing children.
• The teacher expressed concern for her students’ safety.

How to use it: concern about something (Parents expressed concern about road safety.); concern for someone/something (She showed concern for his health.)

Similar words: worry, anxiety

Common phrases: express concern, deep concern, concern about something

A worry or possible problem that someone thinks needs attention.

• Cost is my main concern.
• Please tell us about any concerns you have.
• The inspection raised several safety concerns.

How to use it: concern about something (My main concern about the plan is its cost.)

Similar words: worry, problem, reservation

Common phrases: raise a concern, address a concern, safety concern

Something that matters to someone or affects their life.

• That is none of your concern.
• Her main concern is the children’s education.
• These matters are of concern to all residents.

How to use it: be of concern to someone (The changes are of concern to every employee.)

Similar words: matter, interest, business

Common phrases: main concern, someone’s concern, concern of someone

A caring feeling that makes you want to help someone or protect them.

• Thank you for your concern.
• He showed genuine concern for the injured driver.
• Her voice was full of concern as she offered help.

How to use it: concern for someone (Her concern for others is clear.)

Similar words: care, sympathy, compassion

Opposites: indifference

Common phrases: show concern, genuine concern, concern for someone

Interest in or worry about a particular subject.

• He showed little concern for politics.
• Her concern with detail improved the design.
• Public concern about the issue has increased.

How to use it: concern with something (His concern with accuracy shaped the report.); concern for something (They showed little concern for the environment.)

Similar words: interest, attention, worry

Opposites: indifference

Common phrases: concern for something, concern with something, little concern

A company or other organization that does business.

• It is a small family concern.
• They sold the factory as a going concern.
• Several commercial concerns supported the exhibition.

Similar words: business, company, firm, enterprise

Common phrases: going concern, commercial concern, large concern

To make someone feel worried or think that something needs attention.

• His cough concerns me.
• The lack of clean water concerned the doctors.
• Does the recent fall in sales concern you?

Similar words: worry, trouble

Opposites: reassure

Common phrases: concern someone deeply, concern us all, concern someone greatly

To be about a particular subject or involve a particular person or matter.

• The letter concerns your application.
• These rules concern everyone who works here.
• The meeting concerned plans for the new library.

Similar words: relate to, involve

Common phrases: concern something directly, concern someone personally