frustrating
adj. · v.-
1 annoying and difficult (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatemaking you feel annoyed or impatient because you cannot do what you are trying to do.
causing feelings of annoyance, discouragement, or impatience through the obstruction of one's efforts or expectations.
ExampleIt is very frustrating when the internet stops working in the middle of a meeting.
ExampleThe most frustrating aspect of the bureaucratic process was the lack of clear communication regarding which documents were actually required.
- annoying
- exasperating
- discouraging
PitfallI am very frustrating with this computer.I am very frustrated with this computer.Use 'frustrating' for the thing that causes the feeling (the computer) and 'frustrated' for the person who has the feeling (you).
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2 preventing or annoying (v.) C1 Advanced Formalthe '-ing' form of the verb 'frustrate', used to show the action of stopping someone's plans.
the present participle of 'frustrate', used in continuous tenses to denote the act of thwarting or preventing a plan or desire.
ExampleThe heavy rain was frustrating our plans to have a picnic in the park.
ExampleBy constantly changing the regulations, the government was effectively frustrating the efforts of small businesses to expand into international markets.
UsageAs a verb, it often takes a direct object representing the plan or person being blocked.
From frustrate + -ing.