# baffling

/ˈbæfəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈæflɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/baffling
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

extremely confusing and impossible to understand. You use this when something is so strange or complicated that you cannot find an explanation for it.

For teachers: impossible to understand; causing extreme confusion or perplexity. Often used to describe complex problems, strange behavior, or inexplicable events.

## Examples

- The instructions for this game are completely baffling.
- Detectives found the lack of evidence at the crime scene baffling, as there were no signs of forced entry.
- The sudden collapse of the ancient civilization remains a baffling mystery to archaeologists, who have found no evidence of war, famine, or natural disaster to explain the exodus.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'find'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.