frustration

American  

[fruh-strey-shuhn] / frʌˈstreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. act of frustrating; state of being frustrated.

   the frustration of the president's efforts.

2. an instance of being 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

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."

Example Sentences

Vein ultimately became a lightning rod for much of this frustration.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Like any other pursuit worth doing, vibe coding isn’t without some frustration.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

“The market reaction to the appointment of Heidi O’Neill reflects shareholder frustration with the board’s seemingly stubborn insistence on staying the course despite the challenges in the business,” Wilson said in the letter.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

"It's blown up because it's a discussion about the cost of everything, the overall frustration that people have," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

In frustration, Leo throws the pillow onto the futon.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

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