frustration
UK[frʌˈstreɪʃn]US[frəˈstreɪʃn]
n
the feeling of being upset or annoyed because you cannot control or change a situation, or achieve something.
n
something that causes this feeling.
n
the fact of preventing something such as a plan or an aim from being achieved.
Morpheme Breakdown
frustr
ation
frustr
in vain
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'frustration' originates from the latin verb 'frustrari', meaning 'to deceive, to disappoint', which itself is derived from the adverb 'frustra', signifying 'in vain' or 'to no purpose'. this core sense of futility and thwarted effort passed into english via middle french 'frustration'. the modern abstract meaning evolved from the literal idea of actions being rendered vain or useless, encapsulating both the feeling of disappointment and the event that causes it. the suffix '-ation' systematically forms nouns denoting the action or result of the process, solidifying the term as the name for the state or experience of being thwarted.
Analysis
Structure: frustr (in vain) + ation (noun suffix)
frustr: from latin 'frustra' meaning 'in vain, uselessly'. ation: a latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or result.
Examples
he shook his head in frustration.
not being able to find a job was a major frustration for him.
the frustration of his ambitions left him deeply embittered.