flustered
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈflʌstərd/
KK: /ˈflʌstərd/
adjective
Definition
Feeling confused or agitated, often because of being overwhelmed or stressed.
Example
She felt flustered when she couldn't find her keys before the meeting.
Conversation
I was so flustered during the presentation today.
Really? What happened?
I just forgot my main points and started to panic.
That sounds tough! It happens to everyone sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
agitated
confounded
disconcerted
Antonyms
calm
composed
unperturbed
verb
Definition
To be in a state of confusion or agitation, often due to being overwhelmed or nervous.
Example
She felt flustered when she couldn't find her keys before the meeting.
Tense Forms
Past: flustered
Past Participle: flustered
Conversation
I felt so flustered during the presentation today.
I can imagine! Those things can be really nerve-wracking.
Yeah, I just kept forgetting my points and it was embarrassing.
Root Explanation
Flustered originates from the dialectal English word 'fluster', which is of uncertain origin but may be related to the word 'fluster' meaning to confuse or agitate. The suffix '-ed' indicates a past participle form. Thus, 'flustered' describes a state of being confused or agitated.
Memory Tip
Think of being in a state of confusion or agitation, as 'fluster' suggests a mix-up, and the '-ed' shows that this state has already happened.
Visually Confused Words
unflustered
clustered
balustered
ulstered
lusterer
unfluttered
unclustered
luster