falter
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/ˈfɑltɚ/
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To lose steadiness, strength, or confidence while moving forward.
Examples
He almost faltered, but his teammates encouraged him.
The witness never faltered during her account.
The dancer did not falter once on the wet stage.
Why are you faltering over such a simple answer?
If the talks falter, both sides may return to court.
Similar words
stumbletotter
lurch
fail
struggle
speak haltingly
stutter
trail off
wobblewaver
Meanings
Examples
The recovery faltered when fuel prices rose.
Sales grew in spring but faltered during the summer.
If the talks falter, both sides may return to court.
Her concentration never faltered during the long exam.
Why did the engine falter as we climbed the hill?
Similar words
weaken
fail
decline
stall
struggle
waver
Examples
She did not falter when the questions became hostile.
I faltered for a second before signing the form.
Do not falter now that the finish is in sight.
He almost faltered, but his teammates encouraged him.
Would you falter if the plan became risky?
Similar words
hesitatewaver
flinch
vacillate
lose heart
hold back
Examples
Her voice faltered when she mentioned her father.
“I was there,” he faltered, staring at the floor.
The witness never faltered during her account.
Why are you faltering over such a simple answer?
His apology faltered into silence.
Examples
The runner faltered a few metres before the line.
She faltered on the loose stones but stayed upright.
If he falters, offer him your arm.
The dancer did not falter once on the wet stage.
Did you see the horse falter after the jump?
Etymology
Recorded in English since the late 1300s, falter is of uncertain origin. It may be connected with a Scandinavian word for being troubled or hesitant.
FAQ
It means to lose strength, progress, confidence, fluency, or physical steadiness.
How is falter pronounced?
In General American English, falter is pronounced /ˈfɑltɚ/.
What is the difference between falter and fail?
To falter is to weaken or hesitate, often temporarily. To fail is not to achieve the intended result.
Yes. A voice falters when emotion or uncertainty makes it unsteady or broken by pauses.
Can a plan or economy falter?
Yes. A plan, economy, business, or process can falter when it loses strength or stops progressing well.
What is the opposite of falter?
Depending on the sense, useful opposites include persist, strengthen, advance, and stand firm.
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