frustration

[ fruh-strey-shuhn ]

noun

1. act of frustrating; state of being frustrated: frustrated:

   the frustration of the president's efforts.

2. an instance of being frustrated: frustrated:

   to experience a series of frustrations before completing a project.

3. something that frustrates, as an unresolved problem.
4. a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.

frustration

/ frʌˈstreɪʃən /

noun

1. the condition of being frustrated
2. something that frustrates
3. psychol
   1. the prevention or hindering of a potentially satisfying activity
   2. the emotional reaction to such prevention that may involve aggression

Other Words From

• nonfrus·tration noun
• over·frus·tration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustration¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English frustracioun, from Latin frustrātiōn-, stem of frustrātiō “deception, disappointment”; equivalent to frustrate + -ion

Example Sentences

You see Melody's frustration with that, and you also just see the humanity of being a parent.

From Salon

Despite the initial frustration and adjustments, Simon clarified that the hearing loss has only made him more creative.

From Salon

Lee Daniels, the creator of Empire, speaks about the "pain and anger and sadness and frustration" he and his cast have gone through over the saga.

From BBC

After back-to-back losses to good teams, the Commanders take out their frustrations on the down-and-out Cowboys.

From Los Angeles Times

The teacher who had an angry outburst at Chino High School also shared frustrations about the differing rules for teacher versus student clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoyance
• dissatisfaction
• failure
• grievance
• irritation
• resentment