noun
frustration
fruh-STRAY-shun/frʌˈstreɪʃn/
The obstruction of an intended effort or desire.
Frustration builds as the key fails to fit the lock.
Etymology
Built on a verb meaning to disappoint or make vain, frustration named defeat or disappointment. The selected sense focuses on the feeling produced when an effort is blocked rather than on the blocking itself.
In context
stuck in a traffic delay. The external facts are the cars, the road, the red light. They exist. The first impression might be frustration
More examples
- The new restrictions lead to the frustration of their plans.
- She takes a short break to ease her frustration.
- Repeated delays bring new frustrations for the repair crew.
Forms
frustration · frustrations
frustrate verb — To prevent someone from achieving a goal.
Similar words
- obstruction
- Emphasizes blocking progress rather than the resulting emotional reaction.
- disappointment
- Emphasizes sadness over unmet hopes rather than blocked progress.
- exasperation
- Suggests intense irritation after repeated difficulties or annoyances.