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
This is the perfect opportunity to get voices out on TV and give all these frustrated people who haven’t had a chance for such a long time to have their moment.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Washington — The stalemate in Washington, DC over funding the Department of Homeland Security has led to hourslong airport security lines and frustrated travelers, but now passengers could see some airports closed altogether, the Transportation Security Administration is warning.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 18 Mar. 2026
As Dallas officials prepared to debate City Hall’s future, a commercial real estate broker helping analyze relocation options grew frustrated when his firm was not allowed to compete for the work.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Top White House officials are often frustrated because these quick reactions lack context or thought but can be treated with nearly the same gravity as a sit-down interview in the Oval Office.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026
Washington — The stalemate in Washington, DC over funding the Department of Homeland Security has led to hourslong airport security lines and frustrated travelers, but now passengers could see some airports closed altogether, the Transportation Security Administration is warning.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 18 Mar. 2026
As Dallas officials prepared to debate City Hall’s future, a commercial real estate broker helping analyze relocation options grew frustrated when his firm was not allowed to compete for the work.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Top White House officials are often frustrated because these quick reactions lack context or thought but can be treated with nearly the same gravity as a sit-down interview in the Oval Office.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 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 22 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
