confusing

American  

[kuhn-fyoo-zing] / kənˈfyu zɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause confusion.

   a confusing attempt at explanation.

---

confusing British  

/ kənˈfjuːzɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing bewilderment; difficult to follow; puzzling

---

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

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

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

They love comparing notes about confusing passages or unexpected plot twists.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But the movie itself isn’t exactly exploring new frontiers of fear, devolving instead into a familiar slasher-thriller with a climax of strained characterization and confusing spatial logic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

It held a kernel of something that was confusing for both of us.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

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