The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word FLUSTERED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
F
L
U
S
T
E
R
E
D
More clues leading to the result FLUSTERED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Confused" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case confused = flustered.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FLUSTERED mean?
FLUSTERED verb- To make hot and rosy, as with drinking.
- (by extension) To confuse; befuddle; throw into panic by making overwrought with confusion.
- To be in a heat or bustle; to be agitated and confused.
- Confused, befuddled, in a state of panic by having become overwrought with confusion.