confusing

[ kuhn-fyoo-zing ]

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause confusion:

   a confusing attempt at explanation.

Other Words From

• con·fusing·ly adverb
• con·fusing·ness noun
• uncon·fusing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of confusing¹

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

Example Sentences

It added hoteliers were being are forced to comply with "confusing and disproportionate regulations" that go against other European directives related to data protection and payment systems.

From BBC

"The World Test Championship is a bit confusing. I don't look at it," said Stokes.

From BBC

Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Mims Davies, accused the Welsh government of confusing farmers.

From BBC

“The results of Propositions 33 and 34 prove only one thing: If billionaires spend more than $170 million lying and confusing voters, they are virtually guaranteed to win,” Weinstein said.

From Los Angeles Times

Bass recalled her House colleagues regularly confusing her with Congresswomen Marsha Fudge of Ohio and Barbara Lee of Oakland, who are also Black.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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