frustration
Americannoun
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act of frustrating; state of being frustrated.
the frustration of the president's efforts.
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an instance of being frustrated.
to experience a series of frustrations before completing a project.
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something that frustrates, as an unresolved problem.
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a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.
noun
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the condition of being frustrated
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something that frustrates
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psychol
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the prevention or hindering of a potentially satisfying activity
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the emotional reaction to such prevention that may involve aggression
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Other Word Forms
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
Explanation
Frustration is a feeling of annoyance that occurs when something doesn't go as you expect. There are few things more likely to cause frustration for an impatient driver than rush hour traffic. When you can't get what you want, or you're stuck in some way, you'll experience frustration. A spelling bee competitor who almost wins will feel frustration. The thing that causes you to feel this way can also be called a frustration — like your moody sister, the frustration of your home life. Frustration comes from the Latin frustrationem, "a deception or a disappointment."
Vocabulary lists containing frustration
A Long Walk to Water
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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List 7
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Catcher Logan O’Hoppe, who has spent his five-year career with the Angels, said he understands the fans’ frustration.
From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026
She showed little emotion as the Argentine condemned her to a 6-0 scoreline in the opening set, and rather than voicing her frustration, she coughed in between points.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
President Trump has announced changes in where American forces will be based and expressed frustration over a lack of support from allies on Iran.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
His frustration with appears to have stemmed from her refusal to condemn the outgoing director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, during a congressional hearing in March.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
All three of us are tied up together, in a triangle of frustration and annoyance.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
