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

But the island's message to Italy — and the faltering COP29 negotiations — has already set its course.

From Salon

Though the script falters, the spectacle does not and “Gladiator II” is the best-looking Scott film in years.

From Los Angeles Times

As his voice faltered, Caroline’s rose: “I will never come see you. Never. You will die alone like a dog,” she shouted.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• flounder
• hesitate
• reel
• waver
• wobble