Frustrating

Frustrating is an adjective used to describe something that causes frustration, or produces feelings of annoyance, disappointment, or vexation, often because progress toward a goal is impeded or expectations are unmet. It can apply to events, tasks, processes, or interactions.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb frustrate, from Latin frustratus meaning deprived or blocked, via Old French frustrer. The sense of thwarting efforts or disappointing outcomes shaped the modern meaning of "frustrating" as producing irritation.

Usage: "Frustrating" describes experiences that are difficult to resolve or beyond one’s control, and it can range from mild annoyance to more persistent tension. It is commonly used in everyday speech and in writing to characterize non-technical situations.

Contexts: In psychology, frustration occurs when goals are blocked; in user experience design, frustrating interfaces hinder task completion; in evaluation or journalism, the term can convey dissatisfaction without attributing blame. It is sometimes contrasted with "satisfying" or "rewarding" experiences.

Related terms include frustration (noun), frustrate (verb), and synonyms such as annoyance and irritation. Understanding the nuance of "frustrating" helps express the subjective impact of obstacles without assuming intent.