Fluster: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone is becoming nervous or upset due to confusion or pressure.

• The unexpected question flustered him, and he couldn't think of an answer.
• She was flustered by the sudden change in schedule.

Applicable when someone does not understand something clearly, often due to complexity or ambiguity.

• The instructions confused me, so I couldn't assemble the furniture.
• The math problem confused the entire class.

Typically used to describe someone who becomes unnerved or shaken, often due to a sudden or unexpected event. Slightly informal and may carry a mild negative connotation.

• The loud noise from the construction site rattled him while he was working.
• Her harsh criticism rattled the new employee.

Used when someone feels unsettled or disturbed, often involving a sense of embarrassment or surprise.

• His direct gaze disconcerted her, making her look away.
• The unexpected announcement disconcerted the audience.

Fluster is used when someone is made nervous and confused, often due to a rush or pressure.

• She was in such a fluster to catch the train that she forgot her ticket
• The unexpected question from the audience put him in a fluster

Confusion is used when someone is unable to understand what is happening, what they should do, or when things are mixed up.

• There was some confusion about the meeting time, so half the team arrived late
• Her instructions left me in total confusion

Agitation refers to a state of anxiety or nervous excitement, often relating to emotional distress or upheaval.

• He paced the room in agitation, awaiting the exam results
• The news of the accident threw the entire family into agitation

Disorder implies a lack of order or organization, often leading to chaos. It can be used for physical spaces or situations.

• The office was in complete disorder after the move
• The sudden power outage caused disorder in the shopping mall