frustrates; frustrated; frustrating
1
: to cause (someone) to feel angry, discouraged, or upset because of not being able to do something
It frustrated him to miss so many games because of injuries.
We've been frustrated by bureaucratic delays.
2
: to prevent (efforts, plans, etc.) from succeeding
Bureaucratic delays have frustrated our efforts to resolve this problem.
: to keep (someone) from doing something
The lack of investors has frustrated them in their efforts to expand the company.
Cite this Entry
“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/frustrate. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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