falter
Americanverb (used without object)
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to hesitate or waver in action, purpose, intent, etc.; give way.
Her courage did not falter at the prospect of hardship.
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to speak hesitatingly or brokenly.
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to move unsteadily; stumble.
verb (used with object)
noun
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the act of faltering; an unsteadiness of gait, voice, action, etc.
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a faltering sound.
verb
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(intr) to be hesitant, weak, or unsure; waver
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(intr) to move unsteadily or hesitantly; stumble
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to utter haltingly or hesitantly; stammer
noun
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uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If Kate or Maggie’s self-belief ever faltered, they had only to listen to their supporters or read the media, constantly feeding the world the story of the Fox sisters’ marvelous powers.
From Literature
China’s economy has faltered in recent years, dragged down by soft consumer spending and a seemingly never-ending property downturn.
From Barron's
China’s economy has faltered in recent years, dragged down by soft consumer spending and a seemingly never-ending property downturn.
From Barron's
The rhythm of his steps never faltered, never slowed.
From Literature
Before that, England's fielding, which had remained strong through the tight wins against Nepal, Scotland and Italy in the group stage and Sri Lanka on Sunday, faltered.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
