verb
falter
FOL-tuh
verb
1
To lose strength, confidence, or momentum; to hesitate or waver.
"Her voice faltered as she read the eulogy."
"The economy faltered after the crisis hit."
2
To stumble or move unsteadily.
"He faltered on the icy steps but didn't fall."
How to Use Falter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hesitate, weaken, or become unsteady, whether in speech, movement, or confidence.
Common pairings
voice faltered
falter under pressure
without faltering
Word Forms
faltered past tense, falters plural, falters singular
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Etymology
From Middle English falteren, of uncertain origin, possibly related to a Norse word meaning "to stagger" or "hesitate."