Definition

Causing a feeling of agitation or confusion; making someone feel nervous or unsettled.

Example

The flustering situation made it hard for her to concentrate during the meeting.

Conversation

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that it becomes flustering?

All the time! It can be really hard to focus.

Right? I felt that way during my presentation yesterday.

Yeah, those situations can really make you second-guess yourself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make someone feel confused, nervous, or upset, often by causing them to hurry or act in a disorganized way.

Example

The unexpected question left her flustering in front of the audience.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was so nervous during my presentation today.

Really? What happened?

I kept flustering when I forgot my main points.

Root Explanation

Flustering is derived from the verb 'fluster', which is believed to have originated from the dialectal English 'fluster', meaning to confuse or agitate. The word does not have clear Latin or Greek roots but is rooted in the Old English 'flustrian', meaning to flutter or to be in a state of confusion. The suffix '-ing' indicates the action or process of flustering.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'fluster' which means to confuse or agitate, and remember that 'flustering' refers to the process of causing confusion or agitation.

Visually Confused Words