frustration

noun

(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
Definition of frustrationnext
1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of frustration Many of these tracks barely touch two minutes, sometimes not even 90 seconds, and with such a profusion of directions, certain ideas feel fleeting to the point of frustration. — Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026 This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago. — Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026 A bit of a scuffle broke out in the 34th minute when Andrés Cubas fouled Mbappé and the Frenchman pushed him in retaliation, revealing France’s frustrations at failing to break down the South American defense. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration
  1. headache
  2. disappointment
  3. exasperation
  4. annoyance
  5. dismay
  6. irritation
  7. nuisance
  8. dissatisfaction
Noun
  • Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
    — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions.
    — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • The crowd was filled with Knicks fans, many of whom bought tickets from 76ers’ supporters who were accustomed to postseason disappointment.
    — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • When even her attempts at enjoying life’s simpler pleasures — like some chicken parm and coconut cream pie at home with a glass of wine — go tragically awry, Patricia’s disappointment and exasperation are both hilarious and painfully palpable.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • Around midday, a group of disappointed Alaskans emerged from their state’s pavilion with exasperation.
    — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Definition of exasperation
Noun
  • For players and coaches, the break in play might feel like an annoyance when the temperatures do not seem to demand extra hydration, but what are the physical implications of stopping midway through each half?
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Everyday annoyances add up fast, but fixing them doesn’t have to break the bank.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • Colonists down south, especially fierce New England Protestants who took a dim view of Catholicism, viewed this act – and their new fellow imperial subjects – with dismay and considerable suspicion.
    — Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • The decision to wean, much to the dismay of many, can come from either party.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • The ribbed fabric is constructed with minimal seams to keep your skin comfortable and irritation-free in humid weather.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of irritation
Noun
  • And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
    — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The mass demonstrations delayed AfD's vote, prompting Chrupalla to criticize the method in which agitators expressed their dissatisfaction.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of dissatisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

frustrating
frustration
frustrations
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Cite this Entry

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frustration

Nglish: Translation of frustration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frustration

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