frustrated
/ˈfrʌs.treɪ.tɪd/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Feeling annoyed, upset, or stressed because something is not working or is not going as you want. It can also mean feeling blocked from reaching a goal.
- I felt frustrated after missing the last train.
- She was frustrated by the slow internet.
- He looked frustrated with the long delay.
Adinary Nuance
Frustrated is stronger than annoyed and more specific than upset. Use it when a problem, delay, or obstacle stops progress. It is not the same as angry, because frustration often comes from helplessness, not hostility.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bực bội
- Spanish
- frustrado
- Chinese
- 沮丧的
- Japanese
- いらだたしい
- Korean
- 좌절한
Etymology
Frustrated comes from Latin frustrari, meaning “to disappoint” or “to deceive.” It entered English through French in the 1500s.
Common phrases
feel frustratedget frustratedfrustrated withfrustrated by
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is frustrated stronger than annoyed?
- Yes. Frustrated usually means a stronger feeling after repeated trouble or delay.
- What is the difference between frustrated and angry?
- Frustrated often comes from blocked progress. Angry is more about strong displeasure or blame.
- Can I say frustrated with a person?
- Yes, if that person causes the problem or delay. For example: “I’m frustrated with my teammate.”
- Is frustrated common in business English?
- Yes. It is common in meetings, emails, and reports about problems or delays.