addled
Americanadjective
-
confused, especially mentally.
Given her addled state, the police discounted much of what the witness had to say.
-
(of an egg) not able to produce viable young.
One of the nests had two chicks and two addled eggs.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of addled
Explanation
To be addled is to be fuzzy in the head, a little foggy and confused. When you're addled, you're having trouble thinking. If your favorite movie star walks by and says hello, you might be too addled to say hi back. Sometimes it's hard to think and you feel slow and befuddled. When your brain feels like it's stuck in some mental mud, you're addled. People are addled for many reasons. When you first wake up, you probably feel addled. Drinking too much makes people feel addled. A confusing situation can make you feel addled. Being in love, star struck, drunk, sleepy, or sick can make you feel addled. Avoid big decisions and important tests when you’re addled!
Vocabulary lists containing addled
The Bluest Eye
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Uglies
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Slaughterhouse-Five
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With their shallow root systems, addled by disease, the trees wouldn’t put up much resistance.
From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026
Only one scene really has an impact: Ben runs into a nerd-revolutionary, adorably played by Michael Cera, who seems like a little brother of Leonardo DiCaprio’s addled old radical in “One Battle After Another.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2025
For 18 years, Clayton Kershaw pitched through the gamut of emotions as both a hero and a villain, moments of euphoria addled with spells of despair, picturesque summers disappearing into the wicked wilds of October.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2025
But, like every addled maniac, his hatred lacks focus.
From Salon ● Jan. 5, 2025
I thought too much driving had distorted my vision or addled my judgment, for the dark earth below seemed to move and pulse and breathe.
From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
