# frustration

/fɹəˈstɹeɪʃən/ (US) · /fɹʌstɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frustration
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the feeling of annoyance

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a cause of annoyance

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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- The team had to deal with the daily frustrations of working with outdated equipment and limited funding.

### 3. legal termination of a contract

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- He sighed in frustration when the computer crashed again.
- The long delays at the airport caused a great deal of frustration among the passengers.
- The team's inability to secure funding led to a sense of deep frustration, as their innovative research was forced to a premature halt.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.