Frustration Meaning
Frustration Definition & Usage
A feeling of dissatisfaction, annoyance, or anger caused by the inability to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle.
Examples
- "He slammed the door in frustration after hours of trying to fix the computer."
- "Her frustration grew when she couldn't find a solution to the problem."
- "The team's frustration was palpable after the project failed again."
- "Frustration clouded his judgment, making it hard to think clearly."
- "After several failed attempts, she sat back in frustration, staring at the puzzle."
The event, situation, or condition that leads to a feeling of frustration.
Examples
- "The lack of communication at work is a major source of frustration for many employees."
- "Traffic congestion during rush hour is a common frustration for commuters."
- "His frustration with the bureaucracy grew as he had to fill out more paperwork."
- "The lack of proper resources was a significant frustration during the project."
- "She had a constant frustration with the inefficiency of the system."
Cultural Context
Frustration is a common emotional experience across cultures, though the ways in which people express or manage frustration can vary. In individualistic societies, frustration might be more openly displayed, while in collectivist cultures, it may be more restrained. Over time, frustration has become an important topic in psychology, with studies focusing on its impact on mental health and behavior.
The Puzzle of Progress
Story
The Puzzle of Progress
Amanda sat at her desk, staring at the jumbled pieces of the puzzle in front of her. It had seemed so simple when she began—just a few pieces to connect, a straightforward task. But hours had passed, and she was nowhere near the solution. Her fingers fumbled with the pieces, trying to force them together in vain. Frustration bubbled up inside her. Each failed attempt felt like a personal defeat. She could hear the clock ticking, reminding her of the precious time slipping away. 'Why is this so difficult?' she muttered to herself, her voice tight with irritation. She glanced at the pile of rejected pieces beside her. It felt like nothing was going right today. Her phone buzzed with a message, and Amanda snapped it open, expecting a quick distraction. It was from her coworker. 'Got that report yet? We need it before the meeting starts.' Amanda groaned. Of course. The frustration of her puzzle was nothing compared to the looming deadline for the project at work. The report was supposed to be finished hours ago, but she'd been caught up in this—this mindless puzzle that she couldn’t solve. She slammed the pieces back into the box and stood up, pacing the room. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Jake, her brother. 'You look frustrated,' he said with a small grin, walking in with a cup of coffee. 'I am,' Amanda replied, running a hand through her hair. 'Everything feels like it's falling apart today.' 'Well, you're not alone,' Jake said. 'I’ve been running around all morning dealing with some frustrating issues at work. But maybe it's time to step away from the puzzle. Take a break.' Amanda sighed and sank into the chair. She knew Jake was right. Sometimes, stepping back was the only way to find clarity. The story of Amanda's frustrating day was one that many could relate to: the tension between personal and professional challenges, and how frustration can build up when the smallest obstacle feels insurmountable. But in the end, she knew that every frustration, no matter how small, was just a puzzle waiting to be solved.
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