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

I think it’s confusing for kids who grow up a certain way, and their parents are like, “You can’t have a cappuccino.”

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A column that explores the most confusing, infuriating and confounding systems, appliances and aspects of your home.

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Accessing the Covid booster shot might seem a bit more confusing this year.

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But Sliwa believes he has one more thing in his favor: a confusing general election ballot.

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New York City is widely considered the most competitive and confusing market.

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Related Words

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