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

Chris Wecker, vice president of the police union, said officers’ frustration with Feldstein Soto goes beyond the data breach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The project targets a long-term frustration for military officials: Different weapons systems aren’t always designed to talk to each other.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

He also voiced frustration with Iran's leadership, saying: "It's a very disjointed leadership. They all want to make a deal, but they're all messed up."

From BBC • May 2, 2026

What you are feeling right now is frustration mixed with the stress and anxiety of dealing with your husband’s illness.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

With everything gone wrong this summer, the bubbling fear and frustration had finally burst.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

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