Nobody wants to be caught out in a situation where they don’t know what to do next. “Not knowing what to do” is hard at the best of times. This article will explore some of the best synonyms for the idea, helping you to come up with some one-word options.
The preferred alternatives are “stumped,” “nonplussed,” and “perplexed.” These words allow you to create an idea of uncertainty or confusion. They are often attributed to situations where there are multiple outcomes, but you cannot even decide on a simple one.
Stumped
“Stumped” is a great synonym for this situation. It’s a fairly informal word that shows you are unable to complete a task or answer a question. It works best when you’ve deliberately made something challenging for someone to complete.
The definition of “stumped,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to be unable to answer a question or solve a problem because it is too difficult.”
- I’m totally stumped right now. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, and none of you are helping me.
- Oh, you can tell that he’s stumped. I don’t think he’s going to come to a decision anytime soon. We’ll be here for a while.
- She’s stumped! Try not to pressure her too much. I don’t think she’s going to enjoy seeing you all mock her for this.
Nonplussed
“Nonplussed” is more formal than “stumped.” It’s a good choice when you want to show that someone is surprised or confused. It is often associated with an inability to know what to do next.
While it’s not a common word today (it was much more popular in the past), it’s still widely recognized. You’ll be able to use this with native speakers, and they’ll often understand your meaning.
The definition of “nonplussed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “surprised, confused, and not certain how to react.”
- I’m nonplussed by his reaction. I didn’t think he’d be so on board with it, and now I have no idea what to do next.
- They’re both nonplussed by this event. I don’t think it’s smart to try and pressure them into doing anymore, to be honest.
- You’re nonplussed. I can tell by the look on your face that you have no idea what comes next. That’s living, my friend!
Perplexed
“Perplexed” shows that you or someone else is confused about something. You might not be able to come to a decent arrangement or conclusion. If you are perplexed, you’ll usually require the input of others to help you out.
The definition of “perplexed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “confused because something is difficult to understand or solve.”
- I’m quite perplexed right now. Surely, there must be some way for us to solve this issue without worrying about the outcomes?
- You don’t have to be so perplexed. Things like this are actually quite easy to solve. You just have to know what to do about them.
- I’m perplexed. Are they going to keep on replacing whoever’s in charge? If so, who’s next?
Puzzled
“Puzzled” is a good way of showing that you are confused. It shows that you don’t know what to do next and comes from the idea of “puzzles” being difficult to solve.
You might be presented with a specific problem. If you don’t know how to solve it, you will end up “puzzled” by it.
The definition of “puzzled,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “confused because you do not understand something.”
- She’s quite puzzled right now. Maybe you can help her try and figure this stuff out. It’s for the greater good, after all.
- I’m too puzzled to come to a reasonable conclusion here. I think you’re going to have to work this one out without me.
- I’m quite puzzled. I don’t understand why you have said the things you have. Maybe we can come to an agreement.
Confused
“Confused” is the simplest word on this list. It’s the easiest way to show that somebody has no idea what their next move needs to be. They might be trying to come up with a good solution, but the chances are high that they have no idea what they have to do.
The definition of “confused,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “unable to think clearly or to understand something.”
- You’re so confused right now! I think that’s adorable. But maybe I should help you try and figure this out.
- I think you’re confused for no reason. If you put a little more time toward it, you’ll find it much easier to work these things out.
- I’m confused! Why did they all come here at this time? Now I have no idea what I’m supposed to do to make this better.
Baffled
“Baffled” is a bit more informal. It’s a great colloquial replacement for “confused.” You can use it to show that someone is unable to understand or complete something because they do not know what you are asking of them.
The definition of “baffled,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to cause someone to be completely unable to understand or explain something.”
- I’m completely baffled now. There is absolutely no scenario that I can work out that’s going to make this easier for me.
- She’s baffled, and there’s a good reason for that. I don’t think we’re going to be able to help her out of the darkness yet.
- Aren’t you supposed to act more baffled than that? I thought you wouldn’t have much of a clue what you’re supposed to do.
Bewildered
“Bewildered” is another great way of showing confusion in someone. It shows that you don’t know what to do, and you will often have to rely on other people to help you out with your decision-making.
The definition of “bewildered,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “confused and uncertain.”
- I’m bewildered! I didn’t think I’d make it this far, so I didn’t come up with much of a game plan once I got to this point.
- Aren’t you as bewildered as I am? I cant’ be the only one here that’s struggling to understand what’s happening right now.
- It’s bewildering to me. I don’t think there’s a reasonable way for us to solve this without really going for it.
Uncertain
“Uncertain” is a great way of showing that you (or someone else) don’t know what to do next. This is a particularly effective word when you are presented with multiple options at the same time.
If you’re only told to choose one option out of a large group, you might be “uncertain” about which one will be best. This could lead you to “not knowing what to do” in any given situation.
The definition of “uncertain,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not knowing what to do or believe, or not able to decide about something.”
- As uncertain as I am, I think we’ll be able to come to a good conclusion if we just put our minds together. What do you think?
- I’m uncertain about all of this. I just want things to do better than they did before. Do you understand that?
- Why do you have to be so uncertain all the time? I just wish you had a better understanding of how to do these things.
Flummoxed
“Flummoxed” is a great verb form that allows us to confuse someone directly. If we have asked them a question or presented them with something that’s genuinely confused them, then we have “flummoxed them.”
It’s not a common word by any stretch, but it’s a great one to use. If you have it as part of your vocabulary, you’ll be able to impress many native speakers with your verb choices.
The definition of “flummoxed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “to confuse someone so much that they do not know what to do.”
- Well, that truly flummoxed me. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do next, and I don’t think anyone will be willing to help.
- I can tell that you’re flummoxed. Maybe you can revise a little harder next time to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
- She’s flummoxed me! I don’t know how she managed it, but I really don’t know the best way to answer this question!
Dumfounded
“Dumbfounded” is a decent way of showing that you don’t know what to do next. It is associated with speaking rather than acting. It works best when you have been told something that’s left you speechless.
In a way, being speechless still counts as “not knowing what to do.” It shows that you don’t know what the next most appropriate thing to say is.
The definition of “dumbfounded,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “so shocked that you cannot speak.”
- I’m actually dumbfounded right now. I didn’t realize they were going to come at me so hard, and now I don’t know how to finish.
- You’re dumbfounded because of these questions, right? Don’t worry. I remember when I was in your shoes!
- It’s not dumbfounding yet, but I feel like it’s very close. I just want to make sure I know what I’m doing before doing it!
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Is there a good word or a great expression that describes not knowing what to do (as a response to an unexpected event that happened)?
Something uncanny happened, and I do not know what to do.
A raccoon drank my cup of tea on the table (and there was still some tea left in the cup). I do not know what to do.
My mom told me that my father is actually me who will travel back in time later and marry her and then procreate with her. I do not know what to do.
Dr Perhaps called himself perhaps and perhaps not surprisingly it was perhaps his real name. So when Dr Perhaps asked me «Would you perhaps make a guess on what perhaps my real name is?», I do not know what to do.
Mr Loy suggested the word «lost» to be used and I looked it up in the dictionary only to discover that
Lost
(of a person) very confused or insecure or in great difficulties: she stood there clutching a drink, feeling completely lost | I’d be lost without her
And that I think it’s a bit different from not knowing what to do.
But strangely it has the definition of «not knowing what to do» too. However I think when «lost» is used most people will assume it to be an indication of confusion or insecurity. So thank you Mr Loy but I’m looking for an even greater word or better expression if it ever exists.
asked Oct 7, 2013 at 15:16
4
Stumped: brought to a standstill, uncertain which way to turn, at your wits’ end.
Synonyms are: baffled, perplexed, at a loss, floored (informal), at sea, stymied, nonplussed, flummoxed.
Nonplussed: A state of perplexity, confusion, or bewilderment.
At sea is a great metaphor for being unsettled, drifting, directionless. It is a situation where one is powerless and does not know what to do in a given situation.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 18:08
1
You could use dumbfounded in your scenario.
affected with sudden and great wonder or surprise
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 16:11
SteSte
14.2k13 gold badges62 silver badges102 bronze badges
2
Perhaps at a loss would suit your needs:
- uncertain as to how to proceed <was at a loss to explain the discrepancy>
- unable to produce what is needed <at a loss for words>
The phrase is typically used with a phrase indicating what the subject is at a loss for:
I am at a loss for what to do next.
After her revelation, I was at a loss for words.
However, it can also stand alone (per the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms), especially if there is sufficient context:
John was out of money, his phone had died, and his friends had abandoned him in a strange city — he was really at a loss.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 15:25
apsillersapsillers
2,1491 gold badge13 silver badges19 bronze badges
1
To describe your state of being when something incredible happens and you don’t know what to do, what about:
-
stunned
-
flabbergasted
-
gobsmacked
-
flummoxed
I upvoted @Ste who suggested dumbfounded, which may be the best answer.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 16:12
adj7388adj7388
1,0691 gold badge6 silver badges11 bronze badges
2
You are lost means you don’t know what to do in a new situation.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 15:20
I have seen baffled used in some contexts very close to your examples, for what it’s worth.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 17:32
Perhaps ‘Befuddled’, ‘Bewildered’, ‘Stupefied’, or ‘Perplexed’ would suit your needs.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 21:38
AezurAezur
1972 bronze badges
If you mean ‘unable to make a decision’ then irresolute is the word you need. Or maybe not…
answered Oct 8, 2013 at 0:37
stibstib
5542 silver badges9 bronze badges
«My mom told me that my father is actually me who will travel back in time later and marry her and then procreate with her.»
A person’s reaction to this occurrence would be that of shock or horror rather than «hmm, what should I do? Let me think…». That’s why I don’t think it makes sense to follow this sentence with sentences of the type: «I do not know what to do.»
«I was lost for words when my mother told me that my father was actually me.» — but is perhaps a little weak.
«I was taken aback by what she had just told me.» — is another similar expression but again rather weak.
I think the following are better in this case:
- I was horrified to hear that my father was actually me.
- I was shocked by what she had just told me.
- I was stunned by this revelation.
- I almost had a heart attack when she told me…
- My jaw dropped to the floor…
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 19:43
BazBaz
6444 silver badges10 bronze badges
Your questions seems very indecisive.
Nothing worse than a wishy-washy person trying to come up with a good question.
I had a really good answer but I am hesitant to give it.
My teenager might even say you are hot and cold.
A politician would be on the fence.
I have been waffling over whether or not to order the pancakes.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 15:25
RyeɃreḁdRyeɃreḁd
16.7k6 gold badges43 silver badges81 bronze badges
2
Something uncanny happened… My mom told me that my father is
actually me who will travel back in time later and marry her and then
procreate with her.
WTF?!
UD
or in other words, aghast
Terrified; struck with amazement; showing signs of terror or horror
answered Dec 20, 2013 at 21:27
Mari-Lou AMari-Lou A
88.1k86 gold badges303 silver badges571 bronze badges
You could use flustered
meaning agitated or confused.
Fluster at Dictionary.com
verb (used with object)
1. to put into a state of agitated confusion: His constant criticism flustered me.
2. to excite and confuse with drink.
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 20:58
Mr.MindorMr.Mindor
1571 silver badge8 bronze badges
If it isn’t inappropriately informal (or perhaps too creative) for the context in which it will appear, you could follow «Something uncanny happened,» with «and it has left me [completely/totally/etc] uncanned.»
It’s an unconventional usage of the word ‘uncanned’ (which is itself a relatively uncommon word; see Ngram links below) but for that very reason might convey the emotional and psychological reaction to the unexpectedly uncanny. It might also spruce up and help you «buy» the use of ‘uncanny’ which, to my ear at least, has a certain old school quality that may or may not be desirable.
Ngram for uncanny
Ngram for uncanned
answered Oct 8, 2013 at 22:41
NicoleNicole
5764 silver badges6 bronze badges
1
I like the word «aporia«: An insoluble contradiction or paradox, an impasse. Let’s use those lesser-used words!
answered Nov 14, 2014 at 15:04
I am often in a situation like this but as a professional consultant it’s not the best idea to say «I don’t know» or «I don’t know what to do.» So here are some options if you’re trying to be positive.
«All options are equal at this point, we’ll need more data to narrow them down.»
«The situation calls for analysis before committing to any action.»
«This is a decision for leadership.»
«Due to the nature of the problem we will need to consult appropriate subject matter experts for an appropriate solution.»
answered Oct 7, 2013 at 18:59
John WuJohn Wu
6681 gold badge5 silver badges10 bronze badges
4
These examples may contain rude words based on your search.
These examples may contain colloquial words based on your search.
не зная что делать
не знает что делать
не зная, что делать
не знают, что делать
не знал, что делать
не зная, что предпринять
не зная, как поступить
не знали, что делать
не знала, что делать
Not knowing what to do, they sit still.
Not knowing what to do, he returns to bed.
Not knowing what to do, they continued their daily routine.
Not knowing what to do, she sought legal counsel.
Not knowing what to do, technically speaking.
Not knowing what to do, she stumbles toward regular life.
Not knowing what to do, I ran to the pharmacy.
Not knowing what to do, they bring her body back to her parents.
Not knowing what to do, I called her.
Not knowing what to do, I did nothing.
Not knowing what to do, we telephoned the police.
Not knowing what to do can be dangerous.
Not knowing what to do is just fine.
Not knowing what to do, I turned to my brother for advice.
Not knowing what to do with them, they threw them away.
Not knowing what to do, I ran after him.
Not knowing what to do, I just stood there for a minute.
Not knowing what to do, he applied to me for advice.
Not knowing what to do is scary.
Not knowing what to do next, I instantly entered into a devastating confusion.
Results: 311. Exact: 311. Elapsed time: 151 ms.
Documents
Corporate solutions
Conjugation
Synonyms
Grammar Check
Help & about
Word index: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900
Expression index: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200
Phrase index: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200
English Language & Usage Asked by Outside on June 30, 2021
I think most will agree it’s a really common human condition:
Knowing what to do and not doing it.
I recently found a word that describes this condition and now have lost that word. I would absolutely love it if somebody knows it. I think it may be a psychology term, or it might be something originated from Plato.
One word to describe humans’ inability to do what we know we should do.
Anybody?
7 Answers
If you are thinking of a psychological term that’s experienced recent popularity, it could be executive dysfunction. In the psychological literature this condition is quite complex, but in common discourse between individuals (particularly those suffering from depression or other debilitating mental health issues), this is the term used for exactly what you’ve described.
Answered by Taylor on June 30, 2021
It depends on the context, but «timid» could describe that situation.
It means «lacking in courage or confidence».
For example, if one knows they should speak out against something but hold back anyway they might be described as timid.
But that same word may not make sense for a situation like a teenager staying out past their curfew. They know they are supposed to be home by 8, but they stay out later anyway. That would be considered «rebellious» not «timid», so it really can depend on the reason for not doing something that they know they should.
Answered by Sepharo on June 30, 2021
In dialectical behaviour therapy, I learned about willfulness. It can apply in that it affects one’s willingness to do what one knows one ought to do. Another word: Procrastinating. Also: Uninvested. Apathetic too may apply. «Conflicted.» «Frozen» «Undecided» «Scattered» «Distracted»
Answered by Lynda Wise on June 30, 2021
From a biblical perspective, the word you might be looking for—though not likely a word Plato might have used—is sin. Yes, the word is sin.
James, the half-brother of Jesus of Nazareth, used the word in his letter to the Diaspora:
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17 NASB).
In 1973, Dr. Karl Meninger released a book entitled «Whatever Became of Sin?» Here is how a bookseller describes the book:
Dr. Menninger, educated, intelligent and highly respected gives a good insight into social interaction. Society no longer recognizes sin as sin, hence the condition we are in. Written in the early 70’s, one would think it was written last year.
Answered by rhetorician on June 30, 2021
Answered by successive suspension on June 30, 2021
If I am not mistaken, the word you are searching for is akrasia. See this related question or Wikipedia
Factors that lead me to believe this are
- It is of Greek origin
- It describes a state of mind or human condition as you asked
- It is related to Plato
To be honest I can not really add anything meaningful further than Wkipedia, maybe the headline definition helps as a motivation to read the article:
Akrasia […] is described as a lack of self-control or the state of acting against one’s better judgment.
I sincerely hope this is the word you are searching for, as I just performed a significant search effort after being in the same situation as you and being bugged out several weeks by not being able to remember the word 
Answered by kla-s on June 30, 2021
Q.
Word for knowing what to do and not doing it
A. procrastinating
procrastinate; verb [ I ] Ref C.E.D.
to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring:
Example
I know I’ve got to deal with the problem at some point — I’m just procrastinating.
Answered by Brad on June 30, 2021
Add your own answers!
Related Questions
Life can be quite unpredictable. There are some seasons when you have everything figured out and can make plans for the next five years. But then there are some seasons when don’t know what to do and can’t even picture the next five months.
Have you ever been in such seasons?
Maybe God called you to do something new, but He hasn’t shown you the next steps.
Maybe your dreams were broken, plans unexpectedly changed, and now you don’t know how to proceed.
Or maybe you are like me and have been stuck in the same situation for a while. You have done everything you could think of, including fasting and praying, but nothing is happening.
Regardless of the root cause, we all fall into these muddy uncertain seasons. I am currently going through one, and I do not know what to do with my life. I don’t know where to work or where to live. No matter which direction I look, I can’t see a way forward.
It’s like I’m stuck in a hallway and can’t make any progress because every door is closed. This uncertainty and confusion often make me feel discouraged and depressed. But I hold on to the truth that Jesus hasn’t abandoned me and is still control.
Even though I don’t know where I am going, I know the One who is guiding me, and He is trustworthy.
As I have been going through this season, I have learned these three simple things to do when you don’t know what to do next.
1. Do the last thing God “told” you to do
We often like to ask God for the next thing or to give us a new mission. But are we doing the last thing He called us to do? If God doesn’t tell you what to do next, perhaps it’s because He has already “told” you to do something else. And He either wants you to start doing it or to keep on doing it.
If you are unsure of what God wants you to do last, read His Word and you will find His instructions for your life. Also, ask Him in prayer, He always gives us wisdom when we pray for it (James 1:5).
If His last instruction doesn’t seem to make sense do it anyway; just like Peter in Luke 5. After Peter fished all night and caught nothing, Jesus told him to try again. It didn’t make sense because the sun was up, and the fish would be even harder to find. Nevertheless, he obeyed and caught so much fish that the boat began to sink.
God’s last instruction for me didn’t make sense either; it was to start a blog. Here I am asking God to help me find work in engineering, and I feel He is calling me to write.
But when God calls you to do something, it’s for a good reason. So, if you are in doubt about what to do, persevere in the last thing He “told” you to do. No matter how small, unimportant, or even nonsensical it may look, just do it.
2. Rest in the Lord
A season of uncertainty could be a call for you to rest. We are continually searching for the next thing, and trying to make things happen that we often forget we also need to rest.
So, when you don’t know what to do; rest it in the Lord.
Cease striving, stop trying to make things happen; but be still, and know your God. Trust that He is in control, and depend on Him wholly.
When I think of rest, I think of Elijah the prophet in 1 Kings 19. He was on the run for his life and was so weary and overwhelmed that he asked God to kill him. But God in His mercy sent an angel to minister to him. Elijah was able to eat, drink, and sleep. And after he rested well, God sent him back to work.
Likewise, God may also be calling you to rest in Him before sending you off to work again.
Rest has been the hardest for me. I like to plan, find solutions, and make things happen. Waiting without any course of action nearly drove me crazy at some point. But I have now learned to embrace rest and stop trying to figure everything out. Rather than being restless, I am trying to surrender to God’s will, sleep in the storm and trust that He won’t let me drown.
3. Do not worry
When life is uncertain, and you don’t know what’s coming next, it’s easy to give in to stress and anxiety. But resist the temptation! Do as Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Worrying won’t help, it will only rob your peace. And, Jesus commands us not to do it. To keep from worrying, I try to take one day at a time. I only focus on what I can do today and trust that God has my tomorrow in His hands.
And if that fails, another effective way to fight anxiety is through prayer. For the Word says to cast our worries on to Him and to pray about everything.
So, don’t worry, keep seeking God and worshipping Him, everything else will eventually fall into place.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
When plodding through a dark valley, remember Jesus is the light. As long as we follow Him, we will never be lost. He is always in control and leading the way even though we may not see Him.
When you don’t understand what He is doing, trust His faithfulness and goodness.
When you don’t know what to do next, don’t despair. Do the last thing God told you to do, rest in Him, and do not worry. Continue to worship Him, to thank Him, and patiently wait on Him.
If you enjoyed this post and found it useful,
subscribe
to the blog so you won’t miss my next posts. You will also receive exclusive access to my library with devotionals, printables, and more.