to be frustrated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be frustrated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of annoyance or disappointment due to an inability to achieve something or a situation that is not going as expected. Example: "After waiting for hours, I began to be frustrated with the lack of communication from the airline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They are right to be frustrated.

The New York Times

"They have a reason to be frustrated.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've never tried to be frustrated in my career.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a longing bound to be frustrated.

The New Yorker

Is it wrong of me to be frustrated by this?

The New York Times

"That decision baffled me so we have to be frustrated".

The Guardian - Sport

"He's too busy to be frustrated," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Are we not allowed to be frustrated?" he asked.

The New York Times

Liberal politicians seem to be frustrated with their leader.

The New York Times

"Anybody that's a competitor is going to be frustrated.

The New York Times - Sports

Salvadori's efforts after that were to be frustrated.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be frustrated", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the frustration. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about being frustrated without specifying what is causing the feeling. Clearly identify the source to avoid confusion and ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be frustrated" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to express a state of feeling or emotion. Examples from Ludwig show it expressing feelings due to unmet expectations or hindered progress. The Ludwig AI validates its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be frustrated" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a state of annoyance or disappointment stemming from unmet expectations or hindered progress. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias and wiki, makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. When employing "to be frustrated", remember to clearly identify the cause of the feeling to avoid ambiguity. Alternative expressions like "to be annoyed" or "to feel disappointed" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to feel annoyed

Focuses more on the feeling of irritation rather than the inability to achieve something.

to be irritated

Similar to annoyed, but potentially less intense.

to feel exasperated

Suggests a higher degree of frustration, often implying impatience.

to feel disappointed

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown rather than the struggle.

to lose patience

Focuses on the act of running out of patience, often due to delays or obstacles.

to be fed up

Indicates a state of being tired and unhappy with a situation.

to be discouraged

Highlights the loss of motivation due to setbacks.

to become disheartened

Similar to discouraged, but can also refer to a loss of hope.

to grow weary

Implies a gradual increase in frustration and tiredness.

to reach one's limit

Suggests reaching the point where one can no longer tolerate a frustrating situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be frustrated" in a sentence?

You can use "to be frustrated" to express feelings of annoyance or disappointment. For example, "I began "to be frustrated" by the constant delays" or "They have a reason "to be frustrated" with the lack of progress".

What are some alternatives to saying "to be frustrated"?

Alternatives include "to be annoyed", "to be irritated", or "to feel disappointed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am frustrating" instead of "I am frustrated"?

No, "I am frustrating" means that you are causing frustration in others. "I am frustrated" means that you are experiencing frustration.

What's the difference between "to be frustrated" and "to be disappointed"?

"To be frustrated" implies a sense of being blocked or hindered from achieving a goal, while "to be disappointed" suggests a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction after an unmet expectation.