puzzlement

plural puzzlements

1. countableuncountableThe confusing state of being puzzled; bewilderment.

   The puzzlement caused by the complex system led to great anger.

   Synonyms: wonderment

2. countableuncountableA puzzle; something baffling.

   The diary contains plenty of small puzzlements.

   2007 October 14, Alex Mindlin, “1924, Through an Ancestor’s Eyes”, in New York Times

   1 more example

   Or, larger mothers might have not necessarily more progeny but more fit ones, while smaller size might be an advantage to the males, allowing them to get around faster. Finally, for creatures that continue to grow, perhaps more of the females simply live longer, gaining in stature all the time. “'Tis a puzzlement.”

   2005 [1992], Jeanne Hanson, Deane Morrison, The World's Oddest and Most Wonderful Mammals, Insects, Birds and Plants, page 218