confusing

[kuhn-fyoo-zing]

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause confusion.

   a confusing attempt at explanation.

Other Word Forms

• confusingly adverb
• confusingness noun
• unconfusing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of confusing¹

First recorded in 1840–50; confuse + -ing ²

Example Sentences

It may help them to craft a text, process a confusing message or source a second opinion, which can offer a moment of pause instead of being reactive, she says.

From BBC

Many residents said they think the president may be confusing what is happening in Portland now with a period in 2020 in which the city was briefly convulsed over Black Live Matter protests.

From Los Angeles Times

It was an awkward and confusing exchange, and that’s from a viewer’s perspective.

From Los Angeles Times

"To us that always meant no nonsense, no hidden fees and no confusing terminology so that we can give students more time to focus on what really matters - their studies."

From BBC

Kennedy began by targeting the COVID-19 vaccine and putting in place confusing federal protocols that have made the shot much harder to get — even while he has denied that’s what he’s doing.

From Salon

Related Words

• baffling 
• bewildering 
• complex 
• complicated 
• confounding 
• difficult 
• disconcerting 
• perplexing 
• upsetting