frustrated

adjective

frus·​trat·​ed ˈfrə-ˌstrā-təd 

: feeling, showing, or characterized by frustration: such as

a

: feeling discouragement, anger, and annoyance because of unresolved problems or unfulfilled goals, desires, or needs

In fact Harry thought his behavior had been very good considering how frustrated and angry he felt at being stuck in Privet Drive this long …

—J. K. Rowling

b

: having an ambition that has not been realized

a frustrated actor [=a person who wants to be an actor but has not succeeded in becoming one]

Over the past decade, however, advances in digital printing technologies have brought the costs of publication down and paved the way for thousands of frustrated writers to get their work into print.

—Robert K. J. Killheffer

Examples of frustrated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The current system has long frustrated merchants, especially small businesses, who must decide whether to absorb rising swipe fees or pass costs to customers. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025

Travelers were increasingly frustrated that their plans are being thwarted. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 12 Nov. 2025

But he’s not used to losing this often and sounded a little frustrated Monday night. —Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025

An end to the travel woes could be in sight, with Senate lawmakers voting on a key step toward reopening the government Sunday night – but until then, frustrated passengers continue to face flight delays and cancellations. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frustrated

• abated
• ablated
• awaited
• belated
• berated
• castrated
• chelated
• citrated
• collated
• conflated
• created
• curated

Medical Definition

frustrated

adjective

frus·​trat·​ed

: filled with a sense of frustration : feeling deep insecurity, discouragement, or dissatisfaction

learned not to resort to aggressiveness when frustrated

—Ashley Montagu