flustered

[ fluhs-terd ]

adjective

1. in a state of agitated or nervous confusion:

   In the past, I have prepared to take exams feeling flustered and anxious, but now I am more confident in my abilities.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of fluster ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·flus·tered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flustered¹

fluster ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe assembled a game plan that flustered Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola with disguised blitzes before linebacker Carson Schwesinger knocked the freshman out of the game with a big hit.

From Los Angeles Times

Videos from the event show her getting flustered on stage as she appears to mess up a note.

From BBC

"Today’s young women know that neurotic isn’t cute. Cute isn’t cute. Neither is flustered, madcap, zany, flighty, flaky, harried or hapless - all adjectives that apply to Bridget."

From BBC

The studio audience was cracking up even before Jackson, clearly flustered, could begin to make the case.

From Slate

Tim Walz on the other hand seemed flustered, he seemed taken aback at times.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitated
• changeable
• changing
• complicated
• confused
• disturbed
• insecure
• perilous
• perturbed
• precarious
• rattled
• restless
• shaky
• shifting
• tense
• ticklish
• troubled
• uncertain
• uneasy
• unnerved