flustered

USAGE SUMMARY

'flustered' is an accurate and often-used word in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of being unsettled or confused, or to refer to someone who is agitated and unable to think clearly. For example: "John was so flustered by the sudden outburst in the meeting that he stumbled over his words and couldn't finish his presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Were they flustered by the huge crowds outside?

The Guardian

The Bayern Munich midfielder was authoritative where Javier Mascherano could only appear flustered.

The Guardian - Sport

As the questions continued, Coshelle got flustered and finally refused to answer any more of them until the two officers told her that they had found her "baby".

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, one of the enduring memories of the original trilogy is a small robot who speaks in a series of mechanical bleeps that are then translated for the audience by a perpetually flustered English-accented android.

The Guardian - Sport

Graham Linehan, when we meet as the others grab sandwiches, is flustered from traffic but more so, I suspect, from, at the moment, being the ghost at the feast.

The Guardian

And then, all of a sudden, she was no longer the small, apologetic woman, vague and cheerfully flustered; she had gleaming eyes, a stubborn mouth and an air of utter determination and concentration.

The Guardian - Arts

– Ealing "I have a lot of respect for Cameron – he doesn't get too flustered even when he's grilled by Paxman!

The Guardian

It came when Labour is for the first time during the Blair government genuinely flustered by evidence that the Tory party is gaining ground.

The Economist

Hopefully, if his first 100 days have taught him anything, it is that presidents cannot afford to get flustered easily.

The Economist

Pressed to explain himself further, Mr Abbott seemed flustered.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His increasingly flustered-looking aide bundled him into a taxi.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flustered", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the confusion or agitation to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "flustered" to describe mild surprise or slight inconvenience. It's best suited for situations involving genuine confusion or agitation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "flustered" primarily functions to describe a state of emotional or mental disarray, indicating that someone is confused, agitated, or bewildered. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flustered" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state of confusion, agitation, or mental disarray. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While it fits comfortably in neutral registers, understanding its intensity is crucial to avoid overstating situations. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to identify the source of the confusion. Remember to choose related alternatives like "agitated" or "perturbed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agitated

Focuses on the feeling of being troubled or nervous.

perturbed

Emphasizes a feeling of anxiety or disturbance.

disconcerted

Highlights a feeling of being unsettled or confused.

rattled

Suggests a loss of composure or nervousness.

unsettled

Indicates a lack of stability or peace of mind.

discomposed

Implies a loss of one's usual calm demeanor.

confused

Highlights a lack of clear understanding or certainty.

befuddled

Suggests a state of perplexity or confusion.

discombobulated

Indicates a humorous or informal state of confusion.

in a tizzy

Describes a state of nervous excitement or agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "flustered" in a sentence?

You can use "flustered" to describe someone who is confused and agitated. For example, "The sudden question left him feeling "flustered" and unable to answer".

What can I say instead of "flustered"?

You can use alternatives like "agitated", "perturbed", or "disconcerted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "flustered" or "frustrated"?

"Flustered" describes confusion and agitation, while "frustrated" describes feeling annoyed and impatient. The correct word depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.

What's the difference between "flustered" and "nervous"?

"Flustered" implies a state of confused agitation, often due to a sudden event, whereas "nervous" indicates a state of anxiety or unease about something that may happen.