English Reference

Word

frustration

Phoneticsfrus·tra·tion, stress on the second syllable

US/fɹəˈstɹeɪʃən/

UK/fɹʌstɹˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

01the feeling of annoyance

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

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

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

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

“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.”

02a cause of annoyance

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

“The team had to deal with the daily frustrations of working with outdated equipment and limited funding.”

Antonyms

03legal termination of a contract

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal

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

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

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

“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'.

Synonyms

terminationvoiding

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “frustration” in context.

Verb

01. stem from frustration

“Most of the child's behavioral issues stem from frustration at not being understood.”

verb + prep + noun

02. vent your frustration

“He needed to vent his frustration after the meeting, so he went for a long run.”

verb + noun

03. voice your frustration

“The residents voiced their frustration regarding the lack of public transport during the town hall.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. mounting frustration

“There is mounting frustration among commuters due to the frequent train delays.”

adj + noun

05. sheer frustration

“She wept out of sheer frustration when the computer crashed for the third time.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. frustration at the delay

“The passengers could not hide their frustration at the delay.”

noun + prep + noun

07. sense of frustration

“A profound sense of frustration filled the room as the negotiations collapsed again.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

08. in frustration

“He threw his pen down in frustration when he realized he had made a calculation error.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“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.”
BBC News 14 Aug 2026
“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.”
The Guardian 10 Aug 2026
“When I met Lisa, who was a participant in a research project I ran, her mother had finally accepted help, but it had taken years of frustration and smashed glass.”
The Guardian 4 Aug 2026
“That's a frustration for 27-year-old retail manager Connor, who got in touch via BBC Your Voice, because he says "the goalpost keeps moving".”
BBC News 30 Jun 2026

Etymology

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.

Word family

NOUN

frustration(C1)

Domain

Law

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference