frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən 

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

Pent-up frustration … may yet produce an attempt to impose a "solution" by force.

—Economist

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 of frustration

• headache
• annoyance
• nuisance
• worry
• thorn
• exasperation
• inconvenience

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

What readers are saying The comments express frustration and disappointment over the littering and disrespect shown by visitors to national parks, particularly Yellowstone. — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Rather than ideology, what seems to be driving voters is a frustration with traditional politicians’ failure to solve everyday problems. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

However, there is a clear line between being angry about what happens on the racetrack and allowing that frustration to become physical. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Longtime Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did little to hide his frustration with how the final seconds unfolded in Sunday’s improbable loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL’s debut game in Rio de Janeiro. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frustration

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən 

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 

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 

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.