frustrate
verb (used with object)
to make (plans, efforts, etc.) worthless or of no avail; defeat; nullify.
was frustrating
-
past progressiveof frustrate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
“Maybe it was frustrating at the time. In hindsight, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re a good player, you’ll keep playing.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
But, in UK law, the death of a child that is stillborn is not subject to an inquest - something Sarah Hawkins said was "frustrating".
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Rob Quan, an organizer with the group Unrig LA, said that the committee dropping the vast majority of proposals was frustrating to watch.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026
"Obviously it was frustrating to miss out in Barcelona," Albon, 29, told AFP on Wednesday.
From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026
It was frustrating to spend precious minutes of one’s visit explaining to a warder the different branches of one’s family tree.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
