# puzzled

/ˈpəzəɫd/ (US) · /pˈʌzəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/puzzled
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: feeling or showing confusion or perplexity. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'look', 'seem', or 'feel'.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am puzzling about this" but "I am puzzled by this" — Learners often confuse the participial adjective 'puzzled' (the feeling) with the present participle 'puzzling' (the thing causing the feeling).

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the prepositions 'by' or 'at' to indicate the cause of confusion.

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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.