Frustrated: meaning, definitions and examples

When something isn't going as planned or expected, causing feelings of helplessness or dissatisfaction.

• She felt frustrated when she couldn't solve the math problem

When something small or repetitive causes a mild, often temporary, feeling of irritation.

• He was annoyed by the constant buzzing noise

When feeling intense irritation or frustration, often after repeated failed attempts or prolonged stress.

• The teacher felt exasperated by the student's continuous disruptions

When something causes slight anger or discomfort, often more physical or immediate than 'annoyed'.

• His skin felt irritated after shaving

When someone loses motivation or hope, often due to repeated failures or discouraging situations.

• After losing the game, the team was disheartened and reluctant to train

Use this word when you feel upset or disappointed because you cannot achieve something or solve a problem.

• She felt frustrated when she couldn't find her keys.
• He was frustrated by the lack of progress in the project.

This word conveys a stronger sense of irritation and impatience, usually due to repeated actions or persistent issues.

• Dealing with his constant lateness is exasperating.
• The never-ending delays were exasperating the customers.

Similar to 'annoying,' but often used for things that cause a mild, continuous discomfort or upset over time.

• The buzzing sound of the fly was extremely irritating.
• She found his habit of interrupting conversations very irritating.

This word describes something or someone that causes a slight irritation or discomfort.

• The loud music from the neighbor's house was very annoying.
• Her constant complaining is so annoying.

Use this word when you feel a loss of hope or enthusiasm because of something discouraging.

• The team's loss was disheartening for the fans.
• It is disheartening to see so much apathy about important issues.

This word works well when someone feels blocked or unable to achieve their goals.

• She felt frustrated with the slow progress of the project

This word is used when something causes a slight, continuous irritation or makes someone mildly angry.

• The loud music from the neighbor's apartment can really annoy me

This is best used when describing something that causes annoyance or discomfort, often repeatedly. It has a slightly stronger connotation than ‘annoy’.

• Her habit of tapping her pen on the desk really irritates me

This is used when something causes someone to feel sad, worried, or angry. It often signifies a higher degree of emotional distress.

• The bad news about the project upset him

This term is appropriate when something causes a minor inconvenience or distracts someone's attention.

• Don't bother your sister while she's doing her homework