falter
C1Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To lose strength, momentum, or confidence; to move or proceed unsteadily or with hesitation.
To speak hesitantly or with a wavering voice; for a system, process, or performance to deteriorate or function poorly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is primarily intransitive (e.g., 'his voice faltered'). It often implies a temporary failure in something that was previously steady, such as confidence, progress, or speech. It can also describe literal physical wavering, especially in steps or movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or core usage. Both varieties use the word similarly.
Connotations
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone in both dialects. May be used more frequently in written contexts than everyday spoken conversation.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in formal writing in both dialects; slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] faltered.[Subject] faltered [Adverbial] (e.g., in his speech).[Subject] faltered [Prepositional Phrase] (e.g., under the strain).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not to falter (in one's duty/resolve)”
- “Falter at the final hurdle”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe an underperforming market, shaky economy, or a company's declining profits. 'Sales began to falter in the third quarter.'
Academic
Used to describe a weakening argument, failing theory, or inconsistent data in research. 'The initial hypothesis faltered under closer scrutiny.'
Everyday
Used to describe losing confidence, stumbling over words, or a temporary physical stumble. 'He faltered when asked to explain his mistake.'
Technical
Less common; can be used in engineering or computing to describe an intermittent or failing signal or system performance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His voice began to falter as he read the emotional letter.
- The team's performance faltered after the key player's injury.
- She never faltered in her commitment to the project.
American English
- His voice started to falter when he talked about the accident.
- The peace talks are beginning to falter.
- The old man's steps faltered as he climbed the stairs.
adverb
British English
- 'I... I think so,' she said falteringly.
- The light shone falteringly through the clouds.
American English
- He answered falteringly, unsure of the details.
- The engine ran falteringly before it died.
adjective
British English
- The faltering peace process needs urgent support.
- He spoke in a faltering voice.
American English
- The country's faltering economy is a major concern.
- She made a faltering attempt to explain.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The runner faltered near the finish line but kept going.
- She faltered for a second, trying to remember the name.
- His confidence faltered when he saw the difficult exam paper.
- The company's growth has begun to falter in recent months.
- The speaker's argument faltered under the weight of contradictory evidence.
- Despite numerous setbacks, her resolve never once faltered.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone trying to 'FA-L-TER' (pronounced 'fault-ter') ground – they are FA-iling and ALT-ering their steady course, making a temporary fault in their progress.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A FORWARD JOURNEY / CONFIDENCE IS A SOLID STRUCTURE. Faltering is a stumble on the path or a crack in the foundation.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'колебаться', which is broader and more political. 'Falter' is more specific to a loss of momentum in action or speech.
- Do not confuse with 'fault' (вина, неисправность). 'Falter' is about unsteady action, not assigning blame.
Common Mistakes
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'He faltered the plan' is incorrect).
- Overusing in casual speech where 'hesitate' or 'stumble' might be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'falter' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal writing and literary contexts than in casual conversation.
No, it is almost exclusively intransitive. You cannot 'falter something'.
'Hesitate' is a broader term for pausing due to indecision. 'Falter' implies that an action already in progress (like speaking, walking, or performing) becomes unsteady or loses momentum.
'Faltering' is commonly used as an adjective or gerund (e.g., a faltering step). 'Falterer' as a noun for a person who falters is very rare.