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)
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
Loneliness and frustration; those are two constant themes in American literature …—Malcolm Cowley
3
: 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
On the anniversary of the fire, residents marked the moment with protests and memorials, underscoring lingering anger and frustration.
—Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Hialeah is set to turn the page today, when Bryan Calvo, 28, is set to be sworn as the youngest mayor in the city’s history, promising a four-year reset focused on professionalism, economic growth, and restoring public trust after years of frustration with city government.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Hundreds took time out of their day on Sunday morning to go to a Department of Homeland Security field office in the Denver metro area to express their anger and frustration.
—Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Kelly has expressed frustration with having her role in the process minimized, saying the stakes are high for charting a course to long-term financial sustainability.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustration
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Cite this Entry
“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustration. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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