frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
Synonyms of frustrationnext
1
: the act of frustrating
the frustration of creative instinct is a notorious evil of the machine age—The Times Literary Supplement (London)
2
a
: the state or an instance of being frustrated
These bureaucratic delays have been causing us a lot of frustration.
b
: a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs
loneliness and frustration; those are two constant themes in American literature—Malcolm Cowley
3
: something that frustrates
the government's frustrations with seemingly insoluble problems

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of frustration in a Sentence

He shook his head in frustration. These bureaucratic delays have been causing us a lot of frustration. These delays have proven to be a major frustration. We've been experiencing a lot of frustrations. He was angry about the frustration of his plans.
Recent Examples on the Web Acree’s nomination and withdrawal came as public transit has faced significant challenges, including the looming budget cliff and frustrations about CTA’s ability to provide frequent, reliable, clean and safe service. —Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2024 That coalition filed a lawsuit against the McCrory administration in 2015, citing growing frustration over obstacles to obtaining public records in North Carolina, including allegedly unjustified fees for retrieving, copying and inspecting records. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for frustration 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frustration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frustration was circa 1555

Dictionary Entries Near frustration

frustrating

frustration

frustrative

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustration. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

frustration

noun
frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
1
a
: an act of frustrating
b
: a state or an instance of being frustrated
2
: a feeling of being unable to get anything done
3
: something that frustrates

Medical Definition

frustration

noun
frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
1
: a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs
2
: something that frustrates

Legal Definition

frustration

noun
frus·​tra·​tion ˌfrəs-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
1
a
: the act of frustrating
b
: the state or an instance of being frustrated
c
: something that frustrates
2
: a common-law doctrine of contract law: parties to a contract may be excused from performance even though performance is still possible if the reason for making the contract is partially or completely frustrated by a fortuitous event or by circumstances which are not the fault of either party

called also frustration of purpose, frustration of the venture

compare cause sense 4, force majeure clause, impossibility, impracticability

Note: In order for frustration to be used as a successful defense to a breach of contract claim, the reason for making the contract must have been contemplated or recognized by both the contracting parties even though it was not expressed in the contract.

More from Merriam-Webster on frustration

Nglish: Translation of frustration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of frustration for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frustration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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