Word
confusing
Phoneticscon·fus·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈfjuzɪŋ/
UK/kənfjˈuːzɪŋ/
Definition
adj. difficult to understand because it is not clear or is very complicated.
adj. describing something that causes a state of bewilderment or lack of clarity.
Examples
“The map is very confusing and we are lost.”
“The new software update has a confusing interface that makes simple tasks take much longer.”
“The witness provided a confusing account of the evening, frequently contradicting her earlier statements and leaving the jury unsure of the timeline.”
Examples
simple
“The map is very confusing and we are lost.”
contextual
“The new software update has a confusing interface that makes simple tasks take much longer.”
complex
“The witness provided a confusing account of the evening, frequently contradicting her earlier statements and leaving the jury unsure of the timeline.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “confusing” in context.
Verb
01. become increasingly confusing
“The plot of the movie became increasingly confusing as more characters were introduced.”
verb + adv + adj
02. find the instructions confusing
“Many users find the new software instructions confusing and difficult to follow.”
verb + noun + adj
Adjective
03. confusing for beginners
“The advanced settings menu can be quite confusing for beginners.”
adj + prep
04. confusing to follow
“The directions he gave us were very confusing to follow, and we got lost twice.”
adj + infinitive
05. utterly confusing
“The legal jargon in the contract was utterly confusing for someone without a law degree.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. confusing array of options
“The supermarket offers a confusing array of options for breakfast cereal.”
adj + noun
07. confusing set of rules
“The board game has a confusing set of rules that takes hours to learn.”
adj + noun
Pitfall
I am very confusing about the new rules.
I am very confused about the new rules.
Use 'confusing' for the thing that causes the problem and 'confused' for how you feel.
Confusables
Confused describes the person feeling the emotion, while confusing describes the thing causing that feeling.
Remember-ed = how I feel; -ing = what it is.
Real-World Examples
“He said it would also help to put an end to "the confusing and unjust postcode lottery caused by different rules in different areas".” “There have been a few confusing situations where it has not been clear if the goal-kick has been taken, and a defender then handles the ball.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/confusing