Usage Note: The adjective conflicted appears to have overcome its history of association with pop psychology at least when referring to people. Back in 1988, some 92 percent of the Usage Panel rejected its use in the sentence Many managers are conflicted about the reorganization plan. But in our 2008 survey, 76 percent accepted the similar sentence She was deeply conflicted about taking the job with the new firm. The Panel allowed but looked less favorably on sentences in which conflicted referred to feelings. Some 52 percent accepted He had conflicted feelings about sending his child to private school.