Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfrʌs.treɪ.tɪŋ/

Definitions

• Causing annoyance or anger due to being difficult or impossible to deal with or achieve.
• Characterized by causing a sense of dissatisfaction or disappointment as a result of unfulfilled expectations or desires.
• Describing a situation or task that makes someone feel helpless or blocked from achieving their goal.

Usage Examples

• It was frustrating to see the project fall behind schedule despite everyone's hard work.
• The constant delays in the delivery were truly frustrating for the customers.
• She found it frustrating that her suggestions were constantly ignored in meetings.

Etymology

The word "frustrating" is derived from the verb "frustrate," which comes from the Latin word "frustratus," the past participle of "frustrare," meaning "to deceive or disappoint." The adjective form evolved in the 16th century to describe a situation or action that causes feelings of frustration.

Synonyms

• Annoying
• Exasperating
• Vexing
• Infuriating
• Disheartening

Antonyms

• Soothing
• Comforting
• Easy
• Relaxing
• Satisfying

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "frustrating" is consistent in most English dialects. However, in some regions, the stress may vary slightly, with some speakers emphasizing the first syllable (/ˈfrʌs-) or the second syllable (/frəˈstreɪtɪŋ/), depending on local accents.

Historical Usage

The adjective "frustrating" has been used since the 16th century, originally describing the act of frustrating or thwarting someone's efforts. It became more commonly associated with emotional responses to obstacles, delays, and setbacks as the modern sense of the word evolved in the 19th century.