frustrate
verb (used with object)
to make (plans, efforts, etc.) worthless or of no avail; defeat; nullify.
had been frustrating
-
past perfect progressiveof frustrate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Stubb said the original 28-point US plan revealed last month had been frustrating to read.
From Barron's ● Dec. 3, 2025
Emma Harrison, 18, told BBC News waiting for her health and social care BTec Level 3 result had been "frustrating".
From BBC ● Dec. 15, 2022
His supporters said it had been frustrating to watch the Gonzalezes contend with the unsubstantiated allegations.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 27, 2022
One activist on Tuesday who followed Ms. Ocasio-Cortez through the halls at the summit, Pamela Elizarraras, 24, from Mexico, said it had been frustrating to watch the climate legislation flounder.
From New York Times ● Nov. 9, 2021
And yet that, too, had been frustrating, causing her to fear that her career was somehow an indulgence, unnecessary.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
