English Reference
adjective

occupied

adj.
US /ˈɑkjəˌpaɪd/ UK /ˈɒkjʊpˌaɪd/ oc·cu·pied

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    busy doing something or having your mind full of thoughts.

    engaged in an activity or preoccupied with specific thoughts.

    Simple

    She was so occupied with her book that she didn't hear me enter.

    In context

    The CEO remained occupied with the merger negotiations for most of the quarter, leaving little time for routine administrative tasks.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    being used by someone, such as a seat, a room, or a toilet.

    currently in use or inhabited; unavailable for others.

    Simple

    I'm sorry, but this seat is already occupied.

    In context

    The sign on the restroom door flipped to 'occupied', indicating that the facility was currently in use by another passenger.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    controlled by a foreign army or government.

    referring to a territory or country held and controlled by a foreign military force.

    Simple

    Life in the occupied city was very difficult for the local people.

    In context

    The resistance movement operated in secret throughout the occupied territories, attempting to disrupt the enemy's supply lines.

Usage occupied territory

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated