What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discombobulating
Example
The sudden noise from the explosion was discombobulating. [discombobulating: adjective]
Example
The complicated instructions were discombobulating for the new employee. [discombobulating: present participle]
confusing
Example
The directions to the new restaurant were confusing. [confusing: adjective]
Example
The teacher's explanation was confusing to the students. [confusing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confusing is more commonly used than discombobulating in everyday language. Confusing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discombobulating is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between discombobulating and confusing?
Both discombobulating and confusing are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, confusing is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while discombobulating is more casual and playful in tone.