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

But while the sense of alienation and frustration at the steady vanishing of opportunity may be more intense here, it is felt elsewhere too.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I agree with Sean and understand his frustration and his anger," he said.

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As the board began hosting public hearings on the regulations, shock and frustration had set in among Californians.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Tapping that frustration, Al-Houthi’s older brother, Hussein, launched a revivalist movement that called for driving out Western influences and supporting Palestinians.

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When I talked to AI, I could interrupt, jump randomly between topics, or explode in frustration.

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Related Words

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