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

Three games without a win in the Premier League has seen their title challenge falter as they now sit seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

From BBC

As she aged, she showed us that the face and body may change, but the spirit need not falter.

From Los Angeles Times

The European tour could return to being a rival to rather than a partner of the PGA Tour, especially if the current stodgy negotiations continue to falter, or the deal fails to pass the scrutiny of the US Department of Justice.

From BBC

Hart’s vegan concept is not the first to falter amid harsh economic conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

It uses ancillary senses to pick up the slack when the body’s primary anatomical organ — the ear — starts to falter.

From Salon

Related Words

• flounder
• hesitate
• reel
• waver
• wobble