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

Although Renardo Green became a starter midway through his 2024 rookie season, he was pulled briefly in last season’s playoff finale and frustrated coaches last year, fueling speculation he might get traded. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

In addition to believing, plain and simple, that Shamea crossed the line with her Miss Diane tea, the newbies also seem frustrated by how much the feud is interfering with the group dynamic and the show’s levity. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Tuchel is now facing a significant public backlash at home, from fans who feel frustrated that this tournament has ended the way that so many others have. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 18 July 2026

For large parts of this contest, Lionel Messi cut a quiet, frustrated figure on the pitch. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 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