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

Johnson’s track record in Springfield is abysmal, and a frustrated Pritzker this week explicitly called out that fact. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Tenants become frustrated with rising occupancy costs. —Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

As Margo and her clan navigate the aftermath of the disastrous CPS visit, lovely lawyer Lace starts to get a bit frustrated. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 May 2026

The episode’s over-the-top scenes quickly sparked backlash online, where frustrated viewers questioned the season’s direction and piled on criticism of the HBO drama. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026

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