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

Emily said her school years were "a really confusing time" because she excelled in all other subjects.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

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

Velia asked, looking at me like I was confusing her.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

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