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)
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
Pent-up frustration … may yet produce an attempt to impose a "solution" by force.—Economist
EconomistLoneliness and frustration; those are two constant themes in American literature …—Malcolm Cowley
Malcolm Cowley3
: something that frustrates
the government's frustrations with seemingly insoluble problems
Examples of frustration in a Sentence
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
Viola’s reaction spotlighted growing frustration among competitors who believe the ruling body is using procedural fixes to avoid addressing biological differences in girls' sports.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Her blank-canvas stare allowed viewers to more easily project their experiences onto her, and perhaps even exorcise their frustrations through Mary’s problems.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The wind pushed the ball just over the fence for a home run, prompting outfielder Carlos Cortes to throw his hands up in a sign of frustration.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
To Paul Baran’s frustration, AT&T never came around — but according to him, their resistance wasn’t all based on technical doubts.
—Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustration
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Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Her blank-canvas stare allowed viewers to more easily project their experiences onto her, and perhaps even exorcise their frustrations through Mary’s problems.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The wind pushed the ball just over the fence for a home run, prompting outfielder Carlos Cortes to throw his hands up in a sign of frustration.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
To Paul Baran’s frustration, AT&T never came around — but according to him, their resistance wasn’t all based on technical doubts.
—Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustration
Cite this Entry
“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustration. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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, impracticabilityNote: 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.
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