Frustration, translated from Freud's Versagung, has been broadened in its popular usage to describe various experiences. Cultural and technical developments that have influenced the tolerance of frustration are discussed. With the disappearance of some neurotic symptoms, the neurotic has been deprived of substitute satisfactions which he formerly found in his symptoms but the frustration that produced the symptoms remains. The present cultural climate with its confusion of values seems to deprive many people of satisfactions derived from their ego-ideal demands and contributes to a sense of narcissistic frustration.