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
loneliness 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
Synonyms
- aggravation
- aggro [British]
- annoyance
- bother
- botheration
- bugbear
- exasperation
- hair shirt
- hassle
- headache
- inconvenience
- irk
- irritant
- nuisance
- peeve
- pest
- rub
- ruffle
- thorn
- trial
- vexation
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
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 To address customer frustration with evolving technology, Ford is implementing more extensive training programs on products and use of technology. Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2022 Fear and frustration over California’s use of the river has driven the compact since its early days. Kathleen Ronayne, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, Peyton gestured to call a timeout with increasing frustration. Matthew Vantryon, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 This frustration pushes Americans away from the middle, creating a rift between the moderates and the radicals within each party and contributing to political polarization. WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 But Germany is balking, causing deep frustration in Kyiv. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 Lee Adler, a professor at Cornell University’s school of industrial and labor relations, told Fortune that the strike’s purpose is likely to underscore workers’ frustration with the ongoing negotiation process. Colin Lodewick, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2022 The creative bent comes from his mom Mitzi (Michelle Williams), a blond-bobbed concert pianist who exists in state somewhere between daffy flightiness and undeniable frustration. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2022 Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur — the winningest coach in NFL history through his first three seasons — showed plenty of frustration on the sideline. Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 See More
Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2022 Fear and frustration over California’s use of the river has driven the compact since its early days. Kathleen Ronayne, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, Peyton gestured to call a timeout with increasing frustration. Matthew Vantryon, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 This frustration pushes Americans away from the middle, creating a rift between the moderates and the radicals within each party and contributing to political polarization. WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 But Germany is balking, causing deep frustration in Kyiv. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 Lee Adler, a professor at Cornell University’s school of industrial and labor relations, told Fortune that the strike’s purpose is likely to underscore workers’ frustration with the ongoing negotiation process. Colin Lodewick, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2022 The creative bent comes from his mom Mitzi (Michelle Williams), a blond-bobbed concert pianist who exists in state somewhere between daffy flightiness and undeniable frustration. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2022 Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur — the winningest coach in NFL history through his first three seasons — showed plenty of frustration on the sideline. Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
frustration
noun
frus·tra·tion ˌfrə-ˈstrā-shən
: disappointment sense 1, defeat
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.
frustration
noun
1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- headache
- annoyance
- worry
- exasperation
- nuisance
- thorn
- inconvenience
- problem
- aggravation
- irritant
- irk
- vexation
- discomfort
- rub
- bugbear
- peeve
- anxiety
- hassle
- insult
- trial
- menace
- bother
- pest
- ruffle
- trouble
- predicament
- hair shirt
- burden
- upset
- curse
- botheration
- aggro
- affront
- plague
- plight
- pinprick
- offender
- sore
- offence
- tribulation
- cross
- albatross
- offense
- disturber
- millstone
- annoyer
- fleabite
- mischief
- pet peeve
- harasser
- affliction
- hang-up
- pandora's box
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- joy
- pleasure
- delight
2
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work Synonyms & Similar Words
- disappointment
- dismay
- dissatisfaction
- sadness
- displeasure
- sorrow
- discontent
- letdown
- distress
- disillusionment
- discontentment
- unhappiness
- disgruntlement
- disenchantment
- dejection
- melancholy
- chagrin
- oppression
- discontentedness
- joylessness
- discomfiture
- gloominess
- gloom
- dreariness
- blues
- crestfallenness
- despondency
- depression
- dumps
- downheartedness
- dejectedness
- mopes
- dolor
- disconsolateness
- doldrums
- desolateness
- desolation
- dolefulness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- satisfaction
- contentment
- gratification
- content
- joy
- fulfillment
- fulfilment
- contentedness
- happiness
- bliss
- gladness
- felicity
3
as in exasperation
the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus Synonyms & Similar Words
- exasperation
- irritation
- grief
- annoyance
- displeasure
- anger
- discomfort
- aggravation
- indignation
- vexation
- irritability
- upset
- trouble
- agitation
- outrage
- distress
- resentment
- bother
- pip
- botheration
- aggro
- disturbance
- ire
- pique
- perturbation
- irritableness
- pet
- umbrage
- angriness
- dudgeon
- snappishness
- peeve
- huff
- gall
- dander
- chafe
- irateness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- pleasure
- delight