frustrated
adjective
frus·trat·ed
ˈfrə-ˌstrā-təd 
: feeling, showing, or characterized by frustration: such as
a
: feeling discouragement, anger, and annoyance because of unresolved problems or unfulfilled goals, desires, or needs
In fact Harry thought his behavior had been very good considering how frustrated and angry he felt at being stuck in Privet Drive this long …—
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling
b
: having an ambition that has not been realized
a frustrated actor [=a person who wants to be an actor but has not succeeded in becoming one]
Over the past decade, however, advances in digital printing technologies have brought the costs of publication down and paved the way for thousands of frustrated writers to get their work into print.—Robert K. J. Killheffer
Robert K. J. KillhefferExamples of frustrated in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Various surveys and polls show that Americans remain frustrated with the higher cost of living these days.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Warner executives had initially sought a meeting with the BBC on the Monday following the ceremony, but were left frustrated when the gathering did not materialize.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026
The switch surprised and frustrated residents who stopped to vote during their work dayor between errands only to be redirected elsewhere — an outcome predicted by county officials and voting rights activists who feared the GOP’s arrangement would disenfranchise voters.
—Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Jokic fighs his own battles Three minutes into the game, Jokic was visibly frustrated as George fronted him in the post, hooked the big man’s legs from behind and backed up into his space.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
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Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Warner executives had initially sought a meeting with the BBC on the Monday following the ceremony, but were left frustrated when the gathering did not materialize.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026
The switch surprised and frustrated residents who stopped to vote during their work dayor between errands only to be redirected elsewhere — an outcome predicted by county officials and voting rights activists who feared the GOP’s arrangement would disenfranchise voters.
—Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Jokic fighs his own battles Three minutes into the game, Jokic was visibly frustrated as George fronted him in the post, hooked the big man’s legs from behind and backed up into his space.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
Cite this Entry
“Frustrated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustrated. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
frustrated
adjective
frus·trat·ed
: filled with a sense of frustration : feeling deep insecurity, discouragement, or dissatisfaction
learned not to resort to aggressiveness when frustrated—Ashley Montagu
Ashley MontaguLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
