Frustrating
/ˈfrʌs.treɪ.tɪŋ/noun
Causing annoyance, disappointment, or the failure of an attempt.
Did you know?The root behind frustration, Latin *frustrari*, originally meant to deceive, disappoint, or make vain—so the word carries the energy of a failed outcome rather than simple irritation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
frustrāri
“to deceive, disappoint, or make ineffective”
Late Latin
Latin
frustrātiō
“a disappointment or thwarting”
Old French
Old French
frustrer
“to disappoint, deprive, or make void”
14th Century
English
frustraten
“to thwart, defeat, or make ineffective”
Modern English
English
frustrating
“causing annoyance or thwarted effort”
Explore more surprising origins