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

Other Word Forms

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

Only on rare occasions did their good behavior falter: for example, when peas were unexpectedly served at luncheon.

Read more on Literature

This bit of bravado quickly falters when MacGruber finds his name on nearly every page.

Read more on Salon

Chasing 124 for victory on day three, India faltered in their chase to be bowled out for 93 in the second session at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

Read more on Barron's

India, without captain and leading batsman Shubman Gill who was ruled out because of a neck injury he suffered on Saturday, faltered in their chase of 124 to be bowled out for 93 in Kolkata.

Read more on Barron's

But after Littler found another level to move ahead 13-9, he did not falter despite three missed attempts at double 10 to seal the victory.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• flounder 
• hesitate 
• reel 
• waver 
• wobble