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View synonyms for

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

/ ˈɔːə /

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
“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

noun

  1. uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action
  2. a quavering or irregular sound
“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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈڲٱԲ, adverb
  • ˈڲٱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ڲt· noun
  • ڲt·Բ· adverb
  • ԴDz·ڲt·Բ adjective
  • non·ڲt·Բ· adverb
  • ܲ·ڲt·Բ adjective
  • un·ڲt·Բ· adverb
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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”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of falter1

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic faltrast
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He had a chance for another century, only to falter at 85 after missing a red into the middle pocket.

From

Political protests are becoming more common in the US, with the "Hands Off" demonstrations in early April drawing massive crowds, as polls suggest Trump's popularity is faltering.

From

At the same time, China is seeking to take advantage of faltering U.S. alliances by positioning itself as a stable partner — “shaking hands rather than shaking fists,” as one Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson put it.

From

Like most Lent observers, my commitment to my oath to listen to this app faltered at times.

From

In a rare opportunity to make an impression on the Dodgers’ big-league roster, he instead faltered in a frustratingly familiar script.

From

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