Definition of frustration

The word "frustration" first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century, initially in the context of frustrated chemistry experiments. At that time, it was spelled as "frustre" and derived from the Latin phrase "in frustra" meaning "to no purpose" or "in vain." In the 17th century, the meaning of the word expanded to describe any situation that resulted in futility or failure, such as business ventures or other endeavors that did not yield the desired results. This usage became more common in the 19th century, as industrialization and increasing specialization led to situations where individuals felt frustrated by their inability to achieve their goals due to external factors. By the 20th century, the concept of frustration had gained wider recognition as a psychological state, prompted by the development of psychoanalysis and other modern psychological theories. Frustration was understood as a normal part of human experience, arising from the inevitability of unmet needs, expectations, and desires. Today, the word "frustration" is widely used in everyday language to describe a range of emotions and experiences, including feelings of irritation, annoyance, or dissatisfaction with one's circumstances or the actions of others. Whether in the context of personal relationships, work environments, or global events, the phenomenon of frustration remains a common and complex part of the human experience.