# thwarted

/ˈθwɔɹtɪd/ (US) · /θwˈɔːtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thwarted
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

feeling disappointed or frustrated because someone or something stopped you from doing what you wanted. You use this when your plans or efforts fail because of an outside force.

For teachers: describing the state of having one's intentions, plans, or efforts prevented from succeeding. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'be' to describe a person's reaction to failure.

## Examples

- The team felt thwarted after their goal was disallowed.
- He felt thwarted in his career ambitions when the company decided to freeze all internal promotions.
- The protagonist spends the final act of the play feeling increasingly thwarted by a series of bureaucratic obstacles that prevent him from clearing his name.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively to describe a person's emotional state, or attributively to describe an effort that was stopped.

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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.