baffling

1 of 2

adjective

baf·​fling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ 

: extremely confusing or difficult to understand

a baffling decision

found the directions utterly baffling

bafflingly adverb

a bafflingly complex explanation

baffling

2 of 2

present participle of baffle entry 1

Examples of baffling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Prime Video continues to be one of the most baffling streaming services, from dull originals like Reacher to a revolving catalogue of films that never saw the light of an actual movie theater. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026

The idea of there being two movies about concrete in the first place is baffling to me; Wilson, on the other hand, seems baffled that such a situation would stop a studio from greenlighting a project. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

For veterans of past crises, the congressional inertia is baffling. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

At the press conference, the American negotiators made baffling statements. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1783, in the meaning defined above