frustration
- 01 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.
Simple“He slammed the laptop shut in frustration when the program crashed again.”
In context“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.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 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.
Simple“One of the main frustrations of the job is the constant paperwork.”
In context“The team had to deal with the daily frustrations of working with outdated equipment and limited funding.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The company claimed frustration of the contract after the factory was destroyed by a fire.”
In context“The court ruled that the sudden change in government regulations constituted a frustration of the lease agreement, releasing both parties from their obligations.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'frustration of purpose' or 'frustration of contract'.
Synonymsterminationvoiding
“The idea is to cut out those moments which cause supporters real frustration, and get more football played without adding on loads of stoppage time.”
“The protests underscore mounting frustration among young Indians over corruption in public examinations and recruitment systems, a shortage of good jobs and fears that opportunities are being lost to cheating and political influence.”
From Latin frūstrātiō (“disappointment”), related to frūstrā (“in vain”). By surface analysis, frustrate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.