falter

[ fawl-ter ]

verb (used without object)

1. to hesitate or waver in action, purpose, intent, etc.; give way:

   Her courage did not falter at the prospect of hardship.

2. to speak hesitatingly or brokenly.
3. to move unsteadily; stumble.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter hesitatingly or brokenly:

   to falter an apology.

noun

1. the act of faltering; an unsteadiness of gait, voice, action, etc.
2. a faltering sound.

falter

/ ˈfɔːltə /

verb

1. intr to be hesitant, weak, or unsure; waver
2. intr to move unsteadily or hesitantly; stumble
3. to utter haltingly or hesitantly; stammer

noun

1. uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action
2. a quavering or irregular sound

Derived Forms

• ˈfalteringly, adverb
• ˈfalterer, noun

Other Words From

• falter·er noun
• falter·ing·ly adverb
• non·falter·ing adjective
• non·falter·ing·ly adverb
• un·falter·ing adjective
• un·falter·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of falter¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English falteren, of obscure origin; perhaps akin to Old Norse faltrast “to bother with, be troubled with”

Word History and Origins

Origin of falter¹

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic faltrast

Example Sentences

Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region is faltering as Russian troops have pushed Kyiv's offensive backwards.

From BBC

Meanwhile, Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region is faltering.

From BBC

Harris faltered there, too, and it might have been the most damaging aspect of her low-dominance messaging.

From Salon

As the talks faltered, Washington put its thumb on the scales, suspending aid to Ethiopia, while Trump suggested that Egypt might "blow up" the dam.

From BBC

Liverpool's red-hot start, Manchester City and Arsenal's faltering form and Manchester United already having changed their manager, top the agenda.

From BBC

Related Words

• flounder
• hesitate
• reel
• waver
• wobble