1. The prevention or hindering of the attainment of a goal, such as contractual performance.
commercial frustration. An excuse for a party’s nonperformance because of some unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstance.
— Also termed economic frustration. [Cases: Contracts 309(1). C.J.S. Contracts §§ 520–522, 524.]
self-induced frustration. A breach of contract caused by one party’s action that prevents the performance. • The phrase is something of a misnomer, since self-induced frustration is not really a type of frustration at all but is instead a breach of contract.
temporary frustration. An occurrence that prevents performance and legally suspends the duty to perform for the duration of the event. • If the burden or circumstance is substantially different after the event, then the duty may be discharged.
2. Contracts. The doctrine that if a party’s principal purpose is substantially frustrated by unanticipated changed circumstances, that party’s duties are discharged and the contract is considered terminated.
— Also termed frustration of purpose. Cf. IMPOSSIBILITY(4); IMPRACTICABILITY; MISTAKE. [Cases: Contracts 309. C.J.S. Contracts §§ 520–522, 524.] — frustrate, vb.
