frustration

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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

See frustration defined for English-language learners

See frustration defined for kids

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 of frustration from the Web

Employees gossiped about layoffs, frustration over managers, and a dwindling snack bar inside a cramped, windowless warehouse of an office.

— paresh dave, Philly.com, "Loot Crate became the nation's fastest-growing startup, then it laid off over a quarter of its staff", 5 July 2017
Some parents who read said article are going to do exactly that and wind up feeling even more wracked with frustration and guilt.

— john rosemond, charlotteobserver, "John Rosemond: Time for a timeout", 28 June 2017
In a season in which the Mets are gradually losing any chance to contend for a playoff spot, and may soon be trying to trade veteran players and look to 2018, Cabrera expressed frustration about his own situation rather than the team’s.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Asked to Switch Positions, Asdrubal Cabrera Asks to Switch Teams", 23 June 2017
In these movies, disability is met with anger and frustration, the wish for death and ultimately, the fulfillment of that wish, sending the message that disabled bodies are inconvenient and not worth living in.

— keah brown, Harper's BAZAAR, "Disabled People Are Not an Inconvenience", 23 June 2017
People take out their frustration in the car, behind a metal shield and tinted windows.

— linda robertson, miamiherald, "No turn signals? That drives these drivers mad", 20 June 2017
This epic movie didn't just dominate 1997, and the entire awards-show circuit, to the frustration of the other films on this list—

— neha prakash, HWD, "20 Movies Turning 20 in 2017", 19 June 2017
Their frustrations have helped fuel a growing generational divide.

— henry hoenig, Bloomberg.com, "Young and Old Koreans Suffer as Job Market Drives Inequality", 18 June 2017
Just last week, Trump vented his frustrations with the Department of Justice in an string of angry tweets.

— derek hawkins, chicagotribune.com, "When Jeff Sessions met Donald Trump: The origins of an alliance now strained", 13 June 2017

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.

First Known Use of frustration

circa 1555

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

FRUSTRATION Defined for English Language Learners

frustration

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noun

Definition of frustration for English Language Learners

: 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

FRUSTRATION Defined for Kids

frustration

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noun frus·tra·tion \ˌfrə-ˈstrā-shən\

Definition of frustration for Students

: disappointment 1, defeat

Medical Dictionary

frustration

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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

Law Dictionary

frustration

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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 4, force majeure clause, impossibility, impracticability

Additional Notes on frustration

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.