addled

American  

[ad-ld] / ˈæd ld /

adjective

1. confused, especially mentally.

   Given her addled state, the police discounted much of what the witness had to say.

2. (of an egg) not able to produce viable young.

   One of the nests had two chicks and two addled eggs.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of addle.

Other Word Forms

• unaddled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of addled

addle ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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!

Example Sentences

What rare fruit survived to maturity on these little, addled trees was misshapen, acrid, and stubbornly green on one end; in short, it tasted terrible.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

We should not seek ethical guidance from addled entertainers, but we can find insights into our temporal and spiritual condition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

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

His eyes moved sluggishly, as if he had been addled by a blow to the head.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• befuddled
• bewildered