# dumbfounded

/ˈdəmfaʊndɪd/ (US) · /dˈʌmfaʊndɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dumbfounded
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

so shocked or surprised that you cannot speak for a moment.

For teachers: temporarily unable to speak due to extreme astonishment or disbelief. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'look', or 'stand'.

## Examples

- She stood there dumbfounded after hearing the news.
- The audience was left dumbfounded when the magician made the entire grand piano disappear from the stage.
- The investigators were utterly dumbfounded by the lack of physical evidence at the scene, as it contradicted every witness testimony they had gathered so far.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows a linking verb such as 'be', 'remain', or 'stand'.

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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.