frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən 

1

: the act of frustrating

the frustration of creative instinct is a notorious evil of the machine age

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2

a

: 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

Synonyms

• aggravation
• aggro [British]
• annoyance
• bother
• botheration
• bugbear
• exasperation
• hair shirt
• hassle
• headache
• inconvenience
• irk
• irritant
• nuisance
• peeve
• pest
• rub
• ruffle
• thorn
• trial
• vexation

Example Sentences

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 on the Web

Because the magic of a computer understanding your intent doesn’t eclipse the frustration of it missing the point. —Brian O’malley, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2023

Senators seemed unconvinced by Bancel’s argument and expressed frustration at the opaque pricing of pharmaceutical products in general and with COVID vaccines in particular. —Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Mar. 2023

Certain Branch Davidian survivors have expressed frustration with mainstream accounts of the siege, trying to claim their agency, as Vox notes in its explainer. —Paul Schrodt, Men's Health, 22 Mar. 2023

Members of the Memphis City Council have expressed frustration that an officer was allowed to retire before efforts to fire him. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2023

The frustration lingered into the start of Gonsolin’s offseason, becoming the latest in a pattern of playoff disappointments for the four-year veteran. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2023

Imadu asked, echoing the frustration of many others. —Chinedu Asadu, ajc, 18 Mar. 2023

Maybe the lack of communication explains the frustration in the first superstar. —Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 17 Mar. 2023

Asset Tracking Recently, a large European food retailer expressed the company’s frustration with losing pallets due to a lack of visibility. —Dan Shey, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

a

: an act of frustrating

b

: a state or an instance of being frustrated

2

: a feeling of being unable to get anything done

3

: something that frustrates

Medical Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion (ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

2

: something that frustrates

Legal Definition

frustration

noun

frus·​tra·​tion ˌfrəs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

a

: 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 sense 4, force majeure clause, impossibility, impracticability

Note: 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.