Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

falter

[fawl-ter]
See more synonyms for falter on Thesaurus.com
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.
Show More
verb (used with object)
  1. to utter hesitatingly or brokenly: to falter an apology.
Show More
noun
  1. the act of faltering; an unsteadiness of gait, voice, action, etc.
  2. a faltering sound.
Show More

Origin of falter

1300–50; Middle English falteren, of obscure origin; perhaps akin to Old Norse faltrast to bother with, be troubled with
Related formsfal·ter·er, nounfal·ter·ing·ly, adverbnon·fal·ter·ing, adjectivenon·fal·ter·ing·ly, adverbun·fal·ter·ing, adjectiveun·fal·ter·ing·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

abiding, bound, enduring, firm, indefatigable, mulish, persevering, pigheaded, resolute, set, steady, stubborn, sure, tireless, unfailing, unflagging, unflappable, unflinching, unqualified, unswerving

Examples from the Web for unfaltering

Historical Examples

  • He hesitated, looking at her firmly with his unfaltering gaze.

    A Spirit in Prison

    Robert Hichens

  • From that time until the present year she has been unfaltering in her devotion.

  • But courage was unfaltering, faith undimmed, power unabated.

  • How many reasons for your deep and unfaltering affection for each other!

    The Wedding Ring

    T. De Witt Talmage

  • Now, from Alicia's manner it was plain that the blow had fallen from an unfaltering hand.

    Half a Hero

    Anthony Hope

British Dictionary definitions for unfaltering

falter

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
Show More
noun
  1. uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action
  2. a quavering or irregular sound
Show More
Derived Formsfalterer, nounfalteringly, adverb

Word Origin

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic faltrast
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for unfaltering

adj.

1660s, from un- (1) "not" + present participle of falter. Related: Unfalteringly.

Show More

falter

v.

mid-14c., of unknown origin, possibly from a Scandinavian source (cf. Old Norse faltrask "be burdened, hesitate, be troubled"), or a frequentative of Middle English falden "to fold," influenced by fault. Related: Faltered; faltering.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper