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

NPA chairman Nick Kaye said the ballot result "overwhelmingly shows the sheer anger and frustration of pharmacy owners at a decade of cuts that is forcing dedicated health professionals to shut their doors for good".

From BBC

Beyond his purported frustration with organized religion, we learn very little about Reed.

From Los Angeles Times

“It really is more about frustration with dysfunction.”

From Los Angeles Times

But Seneca Scott, spokesperson for the recall campaign against Thao, said the voter frustration rippling through the Bay Area should be seen as an indictment of local leaders who prioritize progressive politics over a well-functioning community.

From Los Angeles Times

In the case of Joyce, she can put on a bright shiny façade, but at home she is slamming doors and crying into her pillow out of frustration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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