falter

American  

[fawl-ter] / ˈfɔl tər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action

2. a quavering or irregular sound

Other Word Forms

• falterer noun
• falteringly adverb
• nonfaltering adjective
• nonfalteringly adverb
• unfaltering adjective
• unfalteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of falter

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

Example Sentences

But he faltered in Beijing and finished fourth.

From Los Angeles Times

The end of football season is another, perhaps more surprising reason that Robinhood’s stock has faltered in recent weeks, according to analysts at Piper Sandler.

From Barron's

But this looks set to be their year, aided by the faltering form of the chasing pack.

From Barron's

Energised by renewed belief, Rybakina reset on serve after Sabalenka spurned the chance to break for a 4-2 lead - and then struck again in the following game as the top seed faltered.

From BBC

She was barely conscious, and though she wasn’t heavy, he had to put her down often to shift her as his grip faltered.

From Literature

Related Words

• flounder
• hesitate
• reel
• waver
• wobble