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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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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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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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 Paris protester Louis Ledoux-Xatard voiced frustration over inequality. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Last weekend, more than 500,000 people marched to express their frustration against declining public services and high costs of living. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®,jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Today, despite low unemployment and easing inflation, frustration over everyday expenses is weighing on voter’s perception of the economy — and weakening Lula’s support. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The probe into StubHub comes as the company and the rest of the secondary ticketing business faces increasing government scrutiny, as fans continue to voice their frustrations over high ticket prices. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 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
  • Those headaches create headwinds, but the underlying story provides support.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Residents have reported symptoms including burning in the eyes, lungs and sinuses, bad headaches and nausea.
    — Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Charli expressed her disappointment over the cancelation and promised to return to Arizona in the future.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Advertising may not be broken, but also made for a disappointment.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • At the heart of this movie is a tantalizing hint of an exasperation that’s not just that of a teenager, but of a generation.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • New York fans quickly shed their joy, exchanging it for exasperation.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of exasperation
Noun
  • The Serbian leader had long been seen as an unpredictable annoyance, and his balancing act wasn’t particularly subtle.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This, Barbera said, can be a programming annoyance as well as a knock on an otherwise good film.
    — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • When news got around that a new movie version of Sense and Sensibility was in the works, cries of dismay rang forth from Bath to Brooklyn.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • To his dismay, many of the exultant people in cowboy hats, burnt orange T-shirts and other spirit gear appeared to be of South Asian heritage.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • High levels of exposure can cause skin, eye and throat irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This formula pairs the retinoid with firming collagen peptides and niacinamide to offset potential irritation and improve elasticity.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of irritation
Noun
  • Residents say the coyote had been a nuisance in the area since January, when a neighbor began feeding it.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Benjamin was charged with allegedly obstructing a police officer and being a public nuisance.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • The nationwide marches were meant to reflect broader dissatisfaction with the French government, with protesters taking to the streets to air a range of different grievances.
    — James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Internal dissatisfaction with him forced him out late in 1998.
    — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissatisfaction

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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 28 Oct. 2026.

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