conundrum -
A confusing and difficult problem, situation, or question, where there is no clear or easy solution.
Figuring out how to balance work and personal life is a common conundrum.
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mystified -
Being very puzzled and confused
Edwin Hubble was mystified why the light analysis of certain stars showed a 'red shift', until he realized that they were entire galaxies moving away from us at tremendous speeds.
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indiscriminate -
Not showing careful choice or planning, often resulting in harmful results
When planning an investment strategy, it's important to plan carefully and not be indiscriminate about where to put one's money.
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arbitrary -
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
She felt that when the judges chose her competitor as winner of the debate, that the decision was totally arbitrary, and didn't recognize how well she had really done.
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predicament -
A state of uncertainty or hardship, often with a situation that involves a problem.
He found himself in a predicament when his car broke down in the middle of nowhere without any cellphone service.
verb
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baffle -
To totally bewilder, confuse, and mystify.
Martha was baffled about several things in her life, especially why she seemed to spend more money than she had, and why she couldn’t lose weight even though she carefully watched her diet.
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hectic -
Characterized by intense agitation, excitement, or rapid movement.
The market was hectic with people rushing to buy last-minute gifts.
noun
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mirage -
An image that exists only in the mind and is not real.
When the new leader says he's for democracy, the world is hoping that it isn't a mirage.
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stupefy -
To surprise, tire, bore, or shock somebody, resulting in their being unable to think clearly.
When I read about how Larry Ellison built up Oracle into a powerhouse, I am stupefied, and find it hard to understand how he did it.
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repressed -
Describing memories or feelings that have been pushed out of conscious awareness due to trauma or stress.
He had repressed memories of his childhood, unable to recall the events that had deeply affected him.
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dumfounded -
Taken by surprise and suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment.
When we found out that our boss had been fired because he had been caught stealing, we were all dumfounded.
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reeling -
To feel very shocked, upset, or confused.
The combination of the Covid19 virus and the George Floyd demonstrations left America reeling.