frustration

noun

(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
Definition of frustrationnext
1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exasperation
the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of frustration Each card highlights a part of her pain, frustration, and critiques of society, offering a helping hand in conveying her sentiments. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 While the frustrations of Ellison; his father, Larry Ellison, the Oracle billionaire and deal backer; and others in the Paramount camp have taken center stage in recent days, WBD also faces a difficult path. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 July 2026 Burke and Hernandez got into an argument the night before prosecutors say she was killed, with the teen expressing frustration and jealousy over Burke’s relationships with other women. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Whether that happens before the season begins remains to be seen, but James’ decision to sign elsewhere was like tearing a Band-Aid off a fanbase’s long-simmering frustrations about a lackluster offseason. — Nick Friedell, New York Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration
  1. headache
  2. disappointment
  3. exasperation
  4. annoyance
  5. dismay
  6. irritation
  7. nuisance
  8. dissatisfaction
Noun
  • The fever and the less intense strain often presents as a headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • For some its allergies or other upper respiratory issues; for others too much of an aroma causes a headache or worse.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 July 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • The club has transformed from one of baseball’s biggest disappointments into a legitimate contender over the second half.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Christa’s family, through their attorney, have expressed disappointment about his escape.
    — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • The implosion of Platner’s candidacy—first bit by bit and then all at once—has Democrats nationwide throwing up their hands in exasperation.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
  • At a certain point, the admiration for Paraguay’s underdog defiance and spoiling strategy gave way to exasperation.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of exasperation
Noun
  • Liam Gallagher continued his longtime legacy of talking crap about other artists with his recap of this year’s World Cup halftime show, tweeting out various annoyances that plagued him.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • In recent days, though, broadcasters have predicted the spectacle will cause the regular half-time break to be extended, much to the annoyance of soccer purists.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • The historic theater went dark during the pandemic and, to the dismay of Angelenos, remained permanently closed after its owners Pacific Theatres, which includes Arclight Cinemas, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2021.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 July 2026
  • This causes significant dismay among her upper-caste and strictly vegetarian Marwari Hindu family, which calls in a local doctor, and then his wife, the psychologist Shoma Bose.
    — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • Carbonated drinks can also increase gas and abdominal discomfort, and alcohol may worsen dehydration and stomach irritation.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Later perimenopause can stretch cycles up to two months apart, with hot flashes affecting roughly 80% of women and new symptoms emerging, including depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and vulvar irritation.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Definition of irritation
Noun
  • Kansas City is asking a judge to put control of a vacant former shopping mall that the city calls a nuisance into new hands.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • These tiny insects are a summertime nuisance that prey on people, pets, and wildlife, including birds, leaving behind an aggravating itch that can last for more than a week.
    — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 22 July 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • About 75% of persistent pain sufferers reported dissatisfaction with their current relief options, according to Kenvue's March 2026 survey of more than 6,200 people.
    — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 July 2026
  • The Flamingo Revolution reflects dissatisfaction with Albania’s democratic institutions 35 years after the fall of Communism.
    — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Definition of dissatisfaction

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frustrating
frustration
frustrations
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Cite this Entry

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frustration

Nglish: Translation of frustration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frustration

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