ENGLISH
REFERENCE

frustration

n.
US //fɹəˈstɹeɪʃən// UK //fɹʌstɹˈeɪʃən// frus·tra·tion
  1. 1 the feeling of annoyance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the feeling of being annoyed or impatient because you cannot achieve what you want.

    the emotional state of annoyance or dissatisfaction resulting from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs.

    Example

    He slammed the laptop shut in frustration when the program crashed again.

    Example

    The slow pace of the bureaucratic process led to a growing sense of frustration among the local residents who were waiting for the new park to open.
  2. 2 a cause of annoyance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that prevents you from succeeding or makes you feel annoyed.

    an instance or cause of being frustrated; an external obstacle that prevents progress.

    Example

    One of the main frustrations of the job is the constant paperwork.

    Example

    The team had to deal with the daily frustrations of working with outdated equipment and limited funding.
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  1. 3 legal termination of a contract (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

    the ending of a legal agreement because something unexpected happens that makes it impossible to finish.

    the termination of a contract due to an unforeseen event that renders performance impossible or radically different from what was agreed.

    Example

    The company claimed frustration of the contract after the factory was destroyed by a fire.

    Example

    The court ruled that the sudden change in government regulations constituted a frustration of the lease agreement, releasing both parties from their obligations.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'frustration of purpose' or 'frustration of contract'.
Origin

From Latin frūstrātiō (“disappointment”), related to frūstrā (“in vain”). By surface analysis, frustrate + -ion.

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