frustration

noun

(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
Definition of frustrationnext
1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work

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3
as in exasperation
the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of frustration To me, your caps-lock text and expressions of frustration are just strings of text tokens. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 When a young team member voices a frustration about workplace flexibility, do not dismiss it as a lack of commitment. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The disparity has become a major source of frustration for the firefighters union. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 It's been a difficult summer for Russians — a season of almost daily turmoil, frustration and anxiety. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration
  1. headache
  2. disappointment
  3. exasperation
  4. annoyance
  5. dismay
  6. irritation
  7. nuisance
  8. dissatisfaction
Noun
  • West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • In the comments of an Instagram upload from Bustle, which also showed Stoermer’s Stories post, fans expressed their disappointment with Euphoria‘s conclusion in the comments.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Those hoping the Iran war ends soon currently face disappointment.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • By the 11th game of the third set, Keys was hitting herself in the head with her racket, taking her cap off and sighing deep breaths that were either meant to steady her or out of exasperation.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • That in turn has prompted exasperation from some officials and Pacific-watchers at the prospect of another summit overshadowed by rivalry between non-member countries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of exasperation
Noun
  • People are exhausted by subscriptions, signing up for apps, logins, passwords, and other first-world annoyances that are now common in the search to watch a game on TV.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ninety-two percent of customers expect quick responses, and the number one customer service annoyance is long wait times.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • Most, hosted by a coalition of local Democratic groups, discussed dismay at the number of deaths in the county jail and the reduction of polling locations.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Russia's surprise return to the table sparked dismay among European officials, who opposed appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 photo, which was ultimately taken without the Russian minister.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • Its 30% Saccharomyces yeast ferment contains 3% N-acetylglucosamine, an amino sugar that gently encourages surface exfoliation without relying on AHAs or BHAs, helping skin look smoother and more even with less potential for irritation.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Several schools ​cancelled activities on Saturday ⁠with students and residents suffering eye irritation from the ash, while fishermen cancelled their fishing trips due to the eruption, local ​media outlet Kompas reported.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritation
Noun
  • In March, a Jackson County judge ordered Millennia to board up the property and fix those nuisances.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The number of bears killed by motor vehicle strikes, euthanized as nuisances because of conflicts with humans or poached in the Central Florida region over the past decade total about 1,900.
    — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • But any new owner was likely to be championed, so great was the dissatisfaction.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But for Amal, a new way of thinking about her future is dawning, and with it, potential dissatisfaction with what previously had been her set role in life.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of dissatisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

frustrating
frustration
frustrations
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Cite this Entry

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frustration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frustration

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