Frustration — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən/ frus·tra·tion

Meaning & Definition of Frustration

Frustration (noun)

  1. the act of frustrating
  2. the state or an instance of being frustrated
  3. a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

Frustration (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that is a source of irritation

    "bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers"

    similar: aggravation, aggro (British), annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, hair shirt, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irk, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, rub, ruffle, thorn, trial, vexation
    related: discomfort, fleabite, pinprick, affront, insult, offense, upset, worry, affliction, albatross, burden, cross, curse, menace, millstone, plague, sore, anxiety, plight, predicament, tribulation, trouble, hang-up, pet peeve, problem, annoyer, disturber, harasser, mischief, offender, pandora's box
    near: delight, joy, pleasure

  2. 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"

    similar: disappointment, dismay, dissatisfaction, letdown
    related: crestfallenness, discontent, discontentedness, discontentment, disgruntlement, displeasure, disenchantment, disillusionment, blues, dejectedness, dejection, depression, desolateness, desolation, despondency, disconsolateness, distress, doldrums, dolefulness, dolor, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, gloom, gloominess, joylessness, melancholy, mopes, oppression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness, chagrin, discomfiture
    opposite: content, contentedness, contentment, gratification, satisfaction
    near: fulfillment, bliss, felicity, gladness, happiness, joy

  3. 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"

    similar: aggravation, aggro (British), annoyance, bother, botheration, exasperation, grief, irritation, pip (chiefly British), vexation
    related: agitation, discomfort, displeasure, distress, disturbance, upset, irritability, irritableness, peeve, perturbation, pet, pique, resentment, snappishness, trouble, anger, angriness, chafe, dander, dudgeon, gall, huff, indignation, irateness, ire, outrage, umbrage
    near: delight, pleasure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Frustration

The most common words with a similar meaning to Frustration:

British: aggro
Chiefly British: pip
aggravation, annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, hair shirt, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irk, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, rub, ruffle, thorn, trial, vexation, disappointment, dismay, dissatisfaction, letdown, grief, irritation

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Frustration

Words with the opposite meaning of Frustration:

content, contentedness, contentment, gratification, satisfaction

Related Words for Frustration

discomfort, fleabite, pinprick, affront, insult, offense, upset, worry, affliction, albatross, burden, cross, curse, menace, millstone, plague, sore, anxiety, plight, predicament, tribulation, trouble, hang-up, pet peeve, problem, annoyer, disturber, harasser, mischief, offender

Near Antonyms of Frustration

delight, joy, pleasure, fulfillment, bliss, felicity, gladness, happiness

Origin & Etymology of Frustration

First known use: 1568

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Frustration

Frequently Asked Questions about Frustration

What does "Frustration" mean?

"Frustration" means the act of frustrating. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of frustrating. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Frustration"?

Other words for "Frustration" include aggravation, aggro, annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation and hair shirt. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Frustration" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Frustration"?

There are 114 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Frustration". Common alternatives include aggravation, aggro, annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, hair shirt, hassle and headache.

What is the opposite of "Frustration"?

Antonyms of "Frustration" include content, contentedness, contentment, gratification and satisfaction. Near antonyms include delight, joy, pleasure and fulfillment.

How do you use "Frustration" in a sentence?

Examples of "Frustration" in a sentence: "bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers"; "the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work"; "the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus".

Is "Frustration" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Frustration" is a noun.

Is "Frustration" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Frustration" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Frustration"?

"Frustration" is pronounced /(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as frus·tra·tion.