frustrated

adjective

frus·​trat·​ed ˈfrə-ˌstrā-təd How to pronounce frustrated (audio)
Synonyms of frustratednext
: 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
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

Examples of frustrated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In recent stories and this new novel, Saunders’s fiction has begun to feel both darker and a bit frustrated, spiritually and artistically. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 Some frustrated homeowners simply tossed the snow into the middle of the streets. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 One afternoon, my son became frustrated while building a Lego set and asked me to fix it. Janelle Jones, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026 Bob, in his grief, is more frustrated and shorter-tempered with his daughters than usual, while Anna’s ability to function declines. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustrated

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frustrated was in 1574

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Cite this Entry

“Frustrated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustrated. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Medical 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 frustratedAshley Montagu

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