perplexing

American  

[per-plek-sing] / pərˈplɛk sɪŋ /

adjective

1. puzzling or bewildering; hard to understand, figure out, or solve.

   One of the most perplexing aspects of owning a cat is trying to decipher its various body movements and meows.

   The history of the universe is one of the most perplexing subjects of all time.

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Other Word Forms

• perplexingly
  adverb
• unperplexing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of perplexing

perplex ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

The adjective perplexing describes something it is confusing. Before you're fluent in Arabic, you may find the unfamiliar alphabet to be totally perplexing. The Latin root of perplexing is perplexus, which means involved, confused, or intricate. This root is also found in the verb perplex, or confuse. Problems are often described as perplexing, especially when several attempts to solve them are unsuccessful. You may have a perplexing decision to make, like where to go to college or whether to stay friends with a fun person who has disappointed you in some way.

Example Sentences

Paul Donovan, UBS chief economist, suggested that while the April inflation data might be perplexing, the president’s reaction was notable.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

When DI Glyn Walsh returns unexpectedly early from bereavement leave, he and DS Sion Dearden work together to solve the perplexing murder of an esteemed university professor.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Ultimately, “In the Days of My Youth” confronts readers with a perplexing question: Can someone be a good father but a bad man?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Though her film is singularly witty, Kramer refuses to shy away from tough subjects and perplexing contradictions.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

The timing of all these hotel stays was perplexing.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• baffling
• complicated
• confusing
• convoluted
• disconcerting
• knotty
• mysterious
• mystifying
• puzzling
• thorny
• worrying