Word

frustration

noun C1

/fɹʌsˈtɹeɪ.ʃən/

Meanings

noun

The feeling of annoyance or stress caused by being unable to do or achieve something.

noun

Something that causes this feeling; an obstacle or problem that prevents progress.

Definition

Frustration is the feeling of annoyance or stress when you cannot achieve what you want.

Frustration is a negative emotion you feel when your efforts are blocked or your expectations are not met. It often includes irritation, impatience, and a sense of being stuck. People may experience frustration because of delays, repeated failure, unclear rules, or problems they cannot control.

Examples

After three rejected drafts, Maya admitted her frustration and asked for clearer feedback.
I tried to stay calm, but the constant buffering pushed my frustration to the surface.
Their frustration grew as the team kept changing priorities without explaining why.
You could hear his frustration in the pause before he answered the same question again.
The coach treated the loss as information, not as an excuse for frustration.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse "frustration" (the feeling) with "frustrating" (something that causes the feeling).