confusing

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-zing] / kənˈfyu zɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause confusion.

   a confusing attempt at explanation.

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Other Word Forms

• confusingly adverb
• confusingness noun
• unconfusing adjective

Etymology

Origin of confusing

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

Example Sentences

Overlapping authority has more broadly created a burdensome and confusing regulatory environment that drives up costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The singer “further manipulated Plaintiff, blaming him for the incident and convincing him that he was the sole culpable party,” confusing Corletto, the lawsuit said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s very confusing what direction the government is trying to take this,” said Carlos Romero, a retired political science professor and author in Caracas.

From The Wall Street Journal

In confusing situations the car will call on Waymo’s “fleet response” team of humans, asking them to choose which of several optional paths is the best one.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t know why it affected me, but it really did in a visceral and confusing way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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