falter Definition
- 1to lose strength or purpose and stop, or almost stop
- 2to become weaker in performance or effort
Using falter: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "falter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Her voice faltered as she spoke about the tragedy.
Example
The company's sales have been faltering for the past year.
Example
He faltered in his attempt to climb the steep hill.
Example
The runner faltered in the final lap of the race.
falter Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for falter
- hesitate
- waver
- stumble
- flounder
- stagger
Antonyms for falter
- continue
- persevere
- persist
Idioms Using falter
never falter
to never lose hope or determination
Example
Despite facing many obstacles, she never faltered in her pursuit of her dreams.
falter at the first hurdle
to fail or give up at the first sign of difficulty
Example
He had great potential, but he always faltered at the first hurdle.
faltering faith
a loss of belief or trust in something or someone
Example
After the scandal, many people experienced a faltering faith in the government.
Phrases with falter
faltering steps
unsteady or uncertain steps
Example
The old man took faltering steps as he crossed the street.
faltering economy
an economy that is losing strength or stability
Example
The country's faltering economy has led to high unemployment rates.
faltering voice
a voice that is weak or unsteady due to emotion or illness
Example
She tried to speak, but her faltering voice betrayed her emotions.
Origins of falter
from Old Norse 'faltrask', meaning 'to be unsteady'
Summary: falter in Brief
The verb 'falter' [ˈfɔːltə(r)] means to lose strength or purpose and stop, or almost stop. It can refer to a person's physical movements, such as 'faltering steps,' or to a company's performance, such as 'The company's sales have been faltering for the past year.' 'Falter' can also be used in idioms like 'never falter,' which means to never lose hope or determination.