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

“We want to develop the north, we want to compete,” he said with frustration.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The leadership shares their frustration about the lack of any guaranteed route to Scottish statehood.

Read more on BBC

This time round, without radical differences between the two candidates, the contest is a chance for members to give a verdict on the leadership, and vent frustration.

Read more on BBC

He got up but was still uncomfortable, hitting a ball against the wall in frustration after having to shake his leg out again.

Read more on Barron's

That is a source of frustration to many in the SNP and should result in a lively debate on independence strategy at conference later.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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