Frustrate

/fɹʌˈstɹeɪt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To disappoint or defeat; to vex by depriving of something expected or desired..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To disappoint or defeat; to vex by depriving of something expected or desired.
2. (transitive) To hinder or thwart.
3. (transitive) To cause stress or annoyance.
4. ineffectual; useless; fruitless.

Example Sentences

It frustrates me to do all this work and then lose it all.

My clumsy fingers frustrate my typing efforts.

Perhaps it was the too-tooing of the youth on the coach horn which frustrated the proposal, and made it appear ludicrous rather than insultive to her ears.

With its far larger population, China’s economy will inevitably come to eclipse ours, but that is hardly a mortal threat. In climate change, the world faces a huge collective-action problem that will require global cooperation. According to this view, treating China like an adversary will only frustrate our own long-term goals.

This test frustrates me because if I fail, it'll destroy my grade.

Our frustrate search.

In all eternity I had one chance One few years' term of gracious human life […] And this sole chance was frustrate from my birth A mockery, a delusion; […]

Synonyms for frustrate

Antonyms for frustrate

Related Words

Word Forms

• frustrates
• frustrating
• frustrated
• more frustrate
• most frustrate

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions