Conflict vs. Frustration: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 8, 2023
Conflict is a clash or disagreement between opposing parties; frustration is a feeling of upset or annoyance due to unmet expectations.
Comparison Chart
Required Resolution
Compromise, negotiation, mediation
Personal coping, change in situation or perception
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Nov 08, 2023
Conflict and Frustration Definitions
Conflict
Conflict is a serious disagreement or argument.
The conflict between the two neighbors escalated quickly.
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Frustration
Frustration is the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of unable to change or achieve something.
His frustration grew as he failed to solve the math problem.
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Conflict
In literature, a conflict is a struggle between a character and an opposing force.
The central conflict in the story was man versus nature.
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Frustration
Frustration can also mean the prevention of the progress, success, or fulfillment of something.
The new regulations caused frustration among the team members.
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Conflict
Conflict can refer to internal strife within a person's mind.
He was dealing with a moral conflict that kept him awake at night.
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Frustration
The term can also refer to the thwarting of an attempt to reach a goal.
The traffic jam was the source of much frustration during his commute.
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Conflict
In international relations, conflict represents a state of armed opposition.
The countries were on the brink of conflict over territorial disputes.
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Frustration
In psychology, frustration is the emotion arising from the conflict between a person's goals and obstacles.
Frustration is common when learning a new skill.
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Frustration
Frustration may involve feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s own limitations or circumstances.
She felt frustration at her lack of progress in the new job.
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Conflict
A state of disagreement or disharmony between persons or ideas; a clash
A conflict over water rights.
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Frustration
The act of preventing the accomplishment or fulfillment of something
The defense's frustration of their opponent's attempts to score.
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Conflict
(Psychology) An emotional or mental disturbance resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
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Frustration
The feeling or state of being frustrated
I couldn't get a real person to talk to and slammed down the phone in frustration.
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Conflict
Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially when motivating or shaping the action of the plot.
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Frustration
Something that causes such a feeling or state
A job with many frustrations.
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Frustration
The act of frustrating, or the state, or an instance of being frustrated.
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Conflict
A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals.
The conflict between the government and the rebels began three years ago.
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Frustration
(law) The state of contract that allows a party to back away from its contractual obligations due to (unforeseen) radical changes to the nature of the thing a party has been obligated to.
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Conflict
An incompatibility, as of two things that cannot be simultaneously fulfilled.
I wanted to attend the meeting but there's a conflict in my schedule that day.
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Conflict
(intransitive) To be at odds (with); to disagree or be incompatible
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Conflict
(intransitive) To overlap (with), as in a schedule.
Your conference call conflicts with my older one: please reschedule.
It appears that our schedules conflict.
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Frustration
The act of frustrating; disappointment; defeat; as, the frustration of one's designs.
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Conflict
A striking or dashing together; violent collision; as, a conflict of elements or waves.
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Frustration
The feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals
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Conflict
A strife for the mastery; hostile contest; battle; struggle; fighting.
As soon as he [Atterbury] was himself again, he became eager for action and conflict.
An irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces.
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Conflict
To strike or dash together; to meet in violent collision; to collide.
Fire and water conflicting together.
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Frustration
A feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized;
Her constant complaints were the main source of his frustration
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Conflict
To maintain a conflict; to contend; to engage in strife or opposition; to struggle.
A man would be content to . . . conflict with great difficulties, in hopes of a mighty reward.
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Conflict
To be in opposition; to be contradictory.
The laws of the United States and of the individual States may, in some cases, conflict with each other.
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Conflict
An open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals);
The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph
Police tried to control the battle between the pro- and anti-abortion mobs
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Conflict
Opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings;
He was immobilized by conflict and indecision
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Conflict
A hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war;
Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga
He lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement
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Conflict
A state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests;
His conflict of interest made him ineligible for the post
A conflict of loyalties
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Conflict
An incompatibility of dates or events;
He noticed a conflict in the dates of the two meetings
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Conflict
Opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot);
This form of conflict is essential to Mann's writing
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Conflict
A disagreement or argument about something important;
He had a dispute with his wife
There were irreconcilable differences
The familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
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Conflict
Go against, as of rules and laws;
He ran afould of the law
This behavior conflicts with our rules
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Conflict
Conflict can also describe the discord in a group due to different opinions.
The committee faced conflict over the proposed policy changes.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How can conflict be positive?
When resolved constructively, conflict can lead to growth and innovation.
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What is an example of conflict?
An argument between coworkers over a project is a conflict.
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What are signs of frustration?
Irritability, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness are signs of frustration.
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Is conflict always negative?
No, conflict can be an opportunity for positive change.
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How can frustration be managed?
Techniques include problem-solving, communication, and stress management.
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Is there always a solution to conflict?
Not always, but seeking common ground can help.
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What are common causes of conflict?
Scarce resources, differing values, and personality clashes can cause conflict.
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Can frustration lead to conflict?
Yes, unresolved frustration can escalate into conflict.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is frustration a type of conflict?
Frustration is not a type of conflict; it's an emotional response.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can frustration be caused by conflict?
Yes, conflict can be a source of frustration if it blocks goals.
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Nov 08, 2023
Do all conflicts involve anger?
No, conflicts can occur without anger, based on differing opinions.
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Can conflict be internal?
Yes, internal conflict occurs within an individual's mind.
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How does frustration affect health?
Chronic frustration can lead to stress and related health issues.
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What is the first step in resolving conflict?
Identifying the underlying issues and concerns of all parties.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can frustration be constructive?
If channeled properly, it can motivate positive change.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are children affected by conflict?
Yes, children can be deeply affected by conflict around them.
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Nov 08, 2023
What role does empathy play in dealing with frustration?
Empathy can help understand the reasons behind frustration and aid in addressing it.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can frustration be silent?
Yes, frustration can be a silent feeling without outward signs.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are conflict resolution skills important?
Yes, they are critical for personal and professional relationships.
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How do organizations manage conflict?
Through policies, mediation, and fostering open communication.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
