What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confoundment
Example
The sudden change in plans left her in a state of confoundment. [confoundment: noun]
Example
He looked at the test results with confoundment, unable to make sense of the data. [confoundment: noun]
confusion
Example
The instructions were written with such confusion that nobody could follow them. [confusion: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of confusion as she tried to navigate the unfamiliar city streets. [confusion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confusion is more commonly used than confoundment in everyday language. Confusion is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while confoundment is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confoundment and confusion?
Confoundment is a more formal word than confusion. While confusion can be used in both formal and informal contexts, confoundment is typically reserved for more formal situations or writing.