What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confounded
Example
I am confounded by the lack of progress on this project. [confounded: adjective]
Example
He confounded his critics by winning the race. [confounded: verb]
flummoxed
Example
I was completely flummoxed by the math problem. [flummoxed: adjective]
Example
The unexpected turn of events left me flummoxed. [flummoxed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confounded is more commonly used than flummoxed in everyday language, but both words are informal and casual in tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confounded and flummoxed?
Neither confounded nor flummoxed are considered formal words, and both are more appropriate for casual or informal contexts.
