confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd 

1

a

: being perplexed or disconcerted

the confused students

b

: disoriented with regard to one's sense of time, place, or identity

The patient became confused.

2

: indistinguishable

a zigzag, crisscross, confused trail

—Harry Hervey

3

: being disordered or mixed up

a contradictory and often confused story

confusedly

kən-ˈfyü-zəd-lē 

-ˈfyüzd-

adverb

confusedness

kən-ˈfyü-zəd-nəs 

-ˈfyüz(d)-

noun

Synonyms

• chaotic
• cluttered
• disarranged
• disarrayed
• disheveled
• dishevelled
• disordered
• disorderly
• higgledy-piggledy
• hugger-mugger
• jumbled
• littered
• messed
• messy
• muddled
• mussed
• mussy
• pell-mell
• rumpled
• sloppy
• topsy-turvy
• tousled
• tumbled
• unkempt
• untidy
• upside-down

Examples of confused in a Sentence

I've never been so confused.

We're confused about what to do next.

He gave a confused speech denying the accusations.

Recent Examples on the Web

The headlines are still coming thick and fast, pushing advice on a user base now equal parts concerned and confused. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Befuddling sales processes, complex product offerings, and a lack of business transparency have left people feeling more confused than protected in outdated models that don't empower consumers to choose for themselves. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024

The Morgans are confused: Harper was getting piano lessons from Jacob for a year. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024

Firstly, a square between the sun and Neptune on the 18th could leave you feeling confused or disillusioned, especially regarding your long-term goals in a significant partnership. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English — more at confuse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

confused

adjective

con·​fused kən-ˈfyüzd 

: affected with mental confusion