frustrated
adjective
frus·trat·ed
ˈfrə-ˌstrā-təd 
: feeling, showing, or characterized by frustration: such as
a
: feeling discouragement, anger, and annoyance because of unresolved problems or unfulfilled goals, desires, or needs
In fact Harry thought his behavior had been very good considering how frustrated and angry he felt at being stuck in Privet Drive this long …—
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling
b
: having an ambition that has not been realized
a frustrated actor [=a person who wants to be an actor but has not succeeded in becoming one]
Over the past decade, however, advances in digital printing technologies have brought the costs of publication down and paved the way for thousands of frustrated writers to get their work into print.—Robert K. J. Killheffer
Robert K. J. KillhefferExamples of frustrated in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Long lines in the streets and frustrated passengers have been a common sight in recent weeks, especially in downtown areas and during peak hours.
—Anabella González, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Middle of Nowhere’s Kacey is witty, a bit sarcastic, alternately ecstatic and frustrated but always ready to entertain.
—Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
The romancer, which bowed in SXSW, follows Julia (Hawke), a frustrated video game designer, and Charlie (Pullman), a struggling musician, having supernatural impacts on the world after attending a couples therapy seminar to repair their volatile relationship.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026
This is the question most frustrated backyard hosts ask first — and the answer is annoyingly unclear.
—Ryan Brennan
may 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
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Anabella González, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Middle of Nowhere’s Kacey is witty, a bit sarcastic, alternately ecstatic and frustrated but always ready to entertain.
—Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
The romancer, which bowed in SXSW, follows Julia (Hawke), a frustrated video game designer, and Charlie (Pullman), a struggling musician, having supernatural impacts on the world after attending a couples therapy seminar to repair their volatile relationship.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026
This is the question most frustrated backyard hosts ask first — and the answer is annoyingly unclear.
—Ryan Brennan
may 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frustrated
Cite this Entry
“Frustrated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frustrated. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
frustrated
adjective
frus·trat·ed
: filled with a sense of frustration : feeling deep insecurity, discouragement, or dissatisfaction
learned not to resort to aggressiveness when frustrated—Ashley Montagu
Ashley MontaguLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
