frustration

American  

[fruh-strey-shuhn] / frʌˈstreɪ ʃən /

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.

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frustration British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonfrustration noun
• overfrustration noun

Etymology

Origin of frustration

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

Example Sentences

He says many families in Somerset feel let down by the system, adding that he has "heard their frustration and their heartbreaking experiences".

From BBC

"Migrant workers are very active on social media," he added, noting that online commentary has long shown "a lot of frustration" with successive governments.

From Barron's

After two years of frustration, she sued the United States in 2022 alleging the Postal Service had intentionally and wrongly withheld her mail.

From Los Angeles Times

"I could hear the frustration in the officer's voice," she says.

From BBC

Thirty seconds already causes frustration among supporters - and unintended consequences of goals conceded could add further pressure on to officials.

From BBC

Related Words

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