Frustrated
ˈfrʌstreɪtɪd
Definitions
Feeling or showing a feeling of annoyance and impatience, especially because you cannot do something or achieve something.
ˈfrʌstreɪtɪd
Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance, especially because of inability to change or achieve something.
She was frustrated by the lack of progress on the project.
💡 Simply: Have you ever tried to put together something, like a toy, and it just wouldn't go right? You keep trying and trying, but it won't work. When that happens, you might feel frustrated – like you're annoyed and can't get what you want.
👶 For kids: Feeling upset and annoyed because you can't do something you want to do.
More Examples
The students felt frustrated after failing the exam.
He grew increasingly frustrated as he tried to assemble the flat-pack furniture.
How It's Used
"He felt frustrated when he couldn't find his keys."
"The patient exhibited frustrated behaviors due to their chronic pain."
Idioms & expressions
frustration boils over
when someone loses their temper because they can no longer control their emotions.
"After waiting for an hour, her frustration finally boiled over and she demanded to speak to the manager."
channel frustration
to direct feelings of annoyance or disappointment into a productive activity.
"He decided to channel his frustration by working out at the gym."
From Latin frustratus, past participle of frustrare (“to disappoint, frustrate”), from frustra (“in vain”).
The word 'frustrated' has been used in English since the 16th century, originally referring to the action of making something vain or useless.
Memory tip
Imagine a fruit being squashed, and you can't get to the juice. You'd be frustrated!