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

After New Zealand invested heavily and late in the last cycle to turn around a faltering Black Ferns side and lift the trophy, is there a template emerging?

From BBC

In a 5-4 extra-innings win over the Arizona Diamondbacks that lowered their magic number to clinch the National League West to one, the Dodgers again squandered a late-game lead when their traditional relievers faltered.

From Los Angeles Times

"For Charlie, we will never shrink, we will never cower, and we will never falter, even when we are staring down the barrel of a gun."

From BBC

The economy is faltering, and many Hungarians seem restless for change.

From Salon

A trade war with its largest economic partner, a faltering economy - and a lot of promises to deliver on.

From BBC

Related Words

• flounder 
• hesitate 
• reel 
• waver 
• wobble