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 Word Forms

• nonfrustration noun
• overfrustration 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

“Along with the recent U.S. government investment for 10% this has been a golden few weeks for Intel after years of pain and frustration for investors.”

From Los Angeles Times

In that gap between myth and truth is “one of the great reasons for frustration and unhappiness.”

From Los Angeles Times

“So my ‘no’ vote was based on that frustration.”

From Los Angeles Times

But time and again, you’re met with feelings of futility and frustration.

From Salon

The Fresno State football players wanted to be heard after so much frustration, so much uncertainty.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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