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
What appeared to be a simple end-of-year gathering instead became a flashpoint for unresolved frustration for one couple.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
But some are leaving Congress due to growing frustration with the job and an inability to get things done.
—Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
Did that have anything to do with Lucas Bravo’s past comments about his frustration with his character, or was that always the plan, to keep Gabriel away?
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2025
Trevor Pinkalla saw the frustration, boredom and misery on his son's face and wanted to bring him something worth remembering on Christmas.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frustration
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Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
But some are leaving Congress due to growing frustration with the job and an inability to get things done.
—Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
Did that have anything to do with Lucas Bravo’s past comments about his frustration with his character, or was that always the plan, to keep Gabriel away?
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2025
Trevor Pinkalla saw the frustration, boredom and misery on his son's face and wanted to bring him something worth remembering on Christmas.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frustration
Cite this Entry
“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustration. Accessed 1 Jan. 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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