frustration

noun

frus·tra·tion | \ (ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən

Definition of frustration

1 : the act of frustrating the frustration of creative instinct is a notorious evil of the machine age — The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2a : 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 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about frustration

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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

Feelings of frustration and helplessness are only to be expected when your own body robs you of sleep, and that can eventually contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety. — Kristin Auble, SELF, "9 Facts to Know About Restless Legs Syndrome," 16 Mar. 2019 More Essays Our own 2009 survey of meeting-goers noted the importance of ending on time to avoid frustration and a domino effect on schedules. — Steven G. Rogelberg, WSJ, "The Science of Better Meetings," 15 Feb. 2019 Dentists across the state have reported confusion and frustration among patients from the cuts, which followed a judge's order last week striking down Bevin's plan to overhaul the Kentucky's Medicaid program. — Deborah Yetter, The Courier-Journal, "Reports of denied dental care mount after Bevin's Medicaid cuts," 5 July 2018 Fear and frustration are very clearly spilling over into the public square, and our communities are divided as a result. — charlotteobserver, "Ashley Christensen," 3 July 2018 There are steps travelers can take to try to alleviate some of the hassle and frustration of finding parking at the airport. — Kelly Yamanouchi, ajc, "Hartsfield-Jackson parking squeeze causes travel hassles," 29 June 2018 But even though its name has become synonymous with frustration for many subscribers and former subscribers, the company won’t be changing it. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "MoviePass announces yet another new pricing structure," 6 Dec. 2018 The increase in the number of people attempting to enter the country had become a source of frustration for the Trump administration. — Ron Nixon, New York Times, "Arrests at U.S.-Mexico Border Drop for First Time in Months," 5 July 2018 His continuing position in the hall, nearly three months after the allegations against him became public, had become a point of frustration for many Cadets alumni, including several of his accusers. — Tricia L. Nadolny, Philly.com, "Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual misconduct scandal," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frustration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near frustration

Statistics for frustration

Last Updated

11 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for frustration

The first known use of frustration was circa 1555

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More Definitions for frustration

frustration

noun

English Language Learners Definition of frustration

: a feeling of anger or annoyance caused by being unable to do something : the state of being frustrated

: something that causes feelings of anger and annoyance

: the fact of being prevented from succeeding or doing something

See the full definition for frustration in the English Language Learners Dictionary

frustration

noun

frus·tra·tion | \ ˌfrə-ˈstrā-shən

Kids Definition of frustration

: disappointment sense 1, defeat

frustration

noun

frus·tra·tion | \ (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən

Medical Definition of frustration

1 : a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

2 : something that frustrates

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frustration

noun

frus·tra·tion | \ ˌfrəs-ˈtrā-shən

Legal Definition of frustration

1a : 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.