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
From the M-W Editors
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
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Their frustration reflects a major factor slowing a still-sluggish U.S. economy: The inability of many to tap their home equity.
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Tracking consumer complaints Most consumers who feel frustration with a health insurer don't file a formal complaint — but some do.
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In frustration, Cottrell ran through the streets warning passers-by to avoid the water.
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But while Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron showed signs of frustration with Trump -- the German chancellor said Sunday that Europe can no longer fully rely on the U.S. -- Trudeau put on a happy face.
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Along with the publicity in the news media, disgruntled passengers have turned to social media to vent their frustration with the airline’s customer service, posting photographs of people standing in long lines and sleeping at airport terminals.
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Many, to his great frustration, are just finding holes for hits.
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The situation reports describe TigerSwan’s frustration with the amount of leeway some law enforcement gave protesters in Iowa and the company’s efforts to convince officers to use more punitive tactics.
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After decades of public debate, of anger, of anxiety, of anticipation, of humiliation and of frustration.
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
FRUSTRATION Defined for English Language Learners
frustration
playDefinition of frustration for English Language Learners
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: a feeling of anger or annoyance caused by being unable to do something : the state of being frustrated
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: something that causes feelings of anger and annoyance
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: the fact of being prevented from succeeding or doing something
FRUSTRATION Defined for Kids
frustration
playDefinition of frustration for Students
: disappointment 1, defeat
Medical Dictionary
frustration
playMedical 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
playLegal 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.
Learn More about frustration
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See words that rhyme with frustration Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for frustration Spanish Central: Translation of frustration Nglish: Translation of frustration for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of frustration for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frustration
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