puzzled
adj.adj. feeling confused because you do not understand something. You use this when you are trying to solve a problem or understand a situation that does not make sense.
adj. feeling or showing confusion or perplexity. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'look', 'seem', or 'feel'.
She looked puzzled when I told her the news.
The detective had a puzzled expression as he examined the locked room for any signs of entry.
Economists remain puzzled by the sudden shift in consumer behavior, as traditional models failed to predict such a rapid decline in spending despite rising wages.
Often followed by the prepositions 'by' or 'at' to indicate the cause of confusion.
I am puzzling about thisI am puzzled by thisLearners often confuse the participial adjective 'puzzled' (the feeling) with the present participle 'puzzling' (the thing causing the feeling).