English Reference
adjective

concerned

adj.
US /kənˈsɝnd/ UK /kənsˈɜːnd/ con·cerned

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    feeling worried or anxious about a person or a situation.

    feeling or showing anxiety or worry. Often used with the prepositions 'about' or 'for'.

    Simple

    The doctor was concerned about the patient's high blood pressure.

    In context

    Environmental groups are deeply concerned about the long-term impact of the new industrial project on local water quality.

    Usage

    Commonly follows the verb 'to be' and precedes 'about' + noun phrase.

    Pitfall
    I am concerned for the environment. I am concerned about the environment.

    Use 'concerned about' for general issues or problems; use 'concerned for' when you are worried about someone's safety or well-being.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    being involved in something or affected by it.

    involved in or affected by a particular situation, action, or process. Frequently used postpositively after the noun it modifies.

    Simple

    The police interviewed everyone concerned in the accident.

    In context

    The legal team requested a meeting with all the parties concerned to discuss the terms of the settlement before the trial began.

    Usage

    Often placed immediately after the noun it describes (e.g., 'the people concerned').

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word is more formal and usually appears after the noun. If placed before the noun, it might be misinterpreted as 'worried'.

    uninvolved

Usage concerned about the potential · concerned by the risks

Fire chief Arnaud Fabre said the fire was slowing down but he added he was concerned about potential flare-ups with temperatures of up to 36C expected locally.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026

The film is far more concerned with the internal dynamics of the band than their times or even their songs.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated