frustration

noun

(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce frustration (audio)
Definition of frustrationnext
1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disappointment
the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exasperation
the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of frustration The city also recognized the frustration some residents had following the July 18 bus crash and encouraged them to submit formal claims. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 That outcome contributed to Schmidt’s frustration with the campaign and its leadership, the report says. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Instead, try to understand that your mother’s accusation may come from frustration with herself at having misplaced the papers. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Some Folsom residents have expressed frustration with the condition of the road. — Haley Parsley august 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration
  1. headache
  2. disappointment
  3. exasperation
  4. annoyance
  5. dismay
  6. irritation
  7. nuisance
  8. dissatisfaction
Noun
  • These include a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision such as blurred vision or seeing spots, pain in the upper abdomen, significant swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But in some cases, West Nile can reach the brain and cause extreme headaches, meningitis, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • This is a swing game that could be the difference between further disappointment and perhaps a winning record and bowl eligibility.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Men’s tennis player Nick Kyrgios expressed disappointment in himself after testing positive for cocaine.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • Vain to the point of exasperation, computer genius and hacker Roddy did not have to make an error to be thrown out of MI5 headquarters.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The result is a documentary that implicitly honors these incredible doctors, but more acutely leverages their plight to address the numbing exasperation that such an atrocity is designed to instill among otherwise good people.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of exasperation
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the sound system problems that began during the Romantics set (and would actually continue during Toto’s performance) hit their height of annoyance while Cross was on the stage.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Seat switchers—passengers who ask to switch seats—also made the list as the top annoyance for 20 percent of respondents.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • Despite four of the six miles being built underground, the construction in Norco would be entirely overhead, much to residents' dismay.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Giulio, a dissatisfied 16-year-old, drifts through life with no enthusiasm for his education or his future, much to his family’s dismay (particularly his endlessly frustrated mother, brilliantly played by Monica Bellucci).
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismay
Noun
  • Symptoms include eye pain, a sensation of something being stuck in the eye, watering, light sensitivity, redness, irritation and blurred or clouded vision.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Each spray of Activation Ease provides 22 milligrams of magnesium and absorbs in less than 90 seconds, the outlet reported, and the lower dose may help prevent skin irritation after use.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of irritation
Noun
  • Therefore, the state-level attorney general might opt to bring a legal charge of public nuisance against an AI maker and their AI.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Golden State’s stellar defense has quickly developed a reputation for being a nuisance against top guards in particular.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • As popular dissatisfaction with the country’s traditional politicians and political parties grew, many Bolivians began looking to leaders who had emerged from the social movements themselves.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Last Frontier State voted for Trump during all three of his presidential runs but Democrats are hoping rising prices and dissatisfaction with his administration could swing more moderate voters in their favor.
    — Emily Chang, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of dissatisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

frustrating
frustration
frustrations
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Cite this Entry

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frustration

Nglish: Translation of frustration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frustration

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