adjectiveadjective

frustriert

frustrate · frustrated

Definition & meaning

Frustriert means frustrated: feeling upset, discouraged, or dissatisfied because something is not going as hoped or a goal is difficult to achieve.

It can describe a person’s emotional state or something that causes that feeling. For example, someone may feel frustrated after repeated setbacks, or describe an unsuccessful attempt as frustrating.

Grammar & word origin

Frustriert is an adjective and also the past participle of the verb frustrieren (“to frustrate”). As an adjective, it changes its ending according to the noun and grammatical context: ein frustrierter Mensch (“a frustrated person”).

The verb ultimately comes from Latin frustrari, meaning “to disappoint” or “to deceive.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • enttäuscht — “disappointed”; emphasizes that expectations have not been met, rather than the sense of being blocked or unable to make progress.
  • verärgert — “annoyed” or “irritated”; emphasizes anger more than discouragement.
  • unzufrieden — “dissatisfied”; a broader, often less emotionally intense lack of contentment.

Antonyms

  • zufrieden — “satisfied” or “content”; the most direct opposite.
  • erfüllt — “fulfilled”; suggests a deeper sense of satisfaction or purpose.

Common phrases & collocations

  • frustriert sein — to be frustrated
  • sich frustriert fühlen — to feel frustrated
  • frustriert über etwas sein — to be frustrated about something
  • ein frustrierendes Erlebnis — a frustrating experience

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Examples

Er fühlt sich wegen der Situation frustriert.adjective

He feels frustrated because of the situation.

Nach vielen erfolglosen Bewerbungen war sie frustriert.adjective

After many unsuccessful job applications, she was frustrated.

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