English Reference
adjective

conflicting

adj.
US /kənˈfɫɪktɪŋ/ UK /kənflˈɪktɪŋ/ con·flict·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes ideas, reports, or feelings that are different and cannot both be right.

    describes information, beliefs, or interests that are in opposition or mutually exclusive.

    Simple

    The police received conflicting reports from the people who saw the accident.

    In context

    The jury struggled to reach a verdict because they were presented with conflicting evidence from two equally credible expert witnesses.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes two events that are planned for the same time, so you can only go to one.

    describes schedules or appointments that overlap, necessitating a choice between them.

    Simple

    I can't go to the party because I have a conflicting appointment at the dentist.

    In context

    Due to conflicting schedules among the board members, the annual general meeting had to be postponed until late September.

Usage conflicting evidence · conflicting result

But interviews with former schoolmates have produced conflicting accounts of his childhood.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

The three reactions can lead to very different—and sometimes conflicting—behaviors.

Phys.org· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated