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

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

The event is part of a trend of young Chinese people travelling cheaply at a time when the economy is faltering and job prospects are scarce.

From BBC

And with City faltering - on the back of four consecutive defeats in all competitions - this might have been their ideal chance.

From BBC

Their defense faltered, their offense was sloppy and their only salvation on the way to a 41-30 halftime deficit was Bilodeau’s nine points and seven rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flounder
• hesitate
• reel
• waver
• wobble