confusing

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-zing] / kənˈfyu zɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause confusion.

   a confusing attempt at explanation.

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confusing British  

/ kənˈfjuːzɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing bewilderment; difficult to follow; puzzling

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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

Explanation

Something that's confusing doesn't make any sense — it perplexes you. A confusing, hand-drawn map might lead you in circles as you try to find your destination. It can be confusing to walk out of a dark movie theater into the bright sunlight, or to get a phone call from someone whose voice you don't recognize. Situations like this disorient you a little bit. Things that are difficult and complicated, like a really hard math test, can also be confusing. The adjective comes from confuse, which has a Latin root, confundere, "mingle together."

Example Sentences

The streamlining is a way to reduce expenses and better organize a sometimes confusing reporting structure.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

If you’re an astronomer, it’s people confusing what you do with astrology.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

The house builder had previously flagged the transition of both roles, but the timeline might be confusing as it had previously said that the search for a new CEO could take until March 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Investigative journalist Vicky Ward who has reported on Epstein for decades says the timing of the press conference is confusing.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Despite my dad confusing Donny Osmond for Ozzy Osbourne, he and Slash were still able to bond over bands like Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

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