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
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
Robert K. J. KillhefferExamples of frustrated in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There was Jokic’s 56-point Christmas masterpiece this season, which ended with a frustrated Edwards getting ejected and laughed at by Ball Arena.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
After the game, footage captured by The Athletic showed Carvajal in a visibly frustrated exchange with head fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
In the weeks before Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the alcoholic, frustrated cabaret singer/force of nature that is Mary Todd Lincoln deals with secret yearnings, as does her husband.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez said many frustrated residents have contacted his office after their vehicles were towed, prompting him to introduce legislation at this week's commission meeting.
—CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
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Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
After the game, footage captured by The Athletic showed Carvajal in a visibly frustrated exchange with head fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
In the weeks before Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the alcoholic, frustrated cabaret singer/force of nature that is Mary Todd Lincoln deals with secret yearnings, as does her husband.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez said many frustrated residents have contacted his office after their vehicles were towed, prompting him to introduce legislation at this week's commission meeting.
—CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
Cite this Entry
“Frustrated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustrated. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Ashley MontaguLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
