faltered; faltering
ˈfȯl-t(ə-)riŋ 
1
2
: to speak brokenly or weakly : stammer
her voice faltered
3
a
: to hesitate in purpose or action : waver
he never faltered in his determination
b
: to lose drive or effectiveness
the business was faltering
: to utter hesitatingly or brokenly
faltered an excuse
Synonyms
Examples of falter in a Sentence
Verb
The business was faltering due to poor management.
Their initial optimism has faltered.
signs that the economy is faltering
Her steps began to falter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ronda Churchill, Washington Post, 8 July 2024
As Stephanopoulos noted, as damaging to Biden’s case have been the series of stories, in The New York Times and The Washington Post, in which anonymous sources have suggested that the president’s faltering performance was not an anomaly.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 July 2024
Hartford Courant, 7 July 2024
Some of these artificial voices might be capable of a moment or two of deception, but then Mary’s cadence falters, or Marcus gives a word the wrong emphasis.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for falter 
Verb
These are some of the voters who were part of President Biden’s winning coalition in 2020 but who have expressed reservations with his reelection bid — which is in a state of crisis after a faltering debate performance that has prompted widespread Democratic concern.
—Ronda Churchill, Washington Post, 8 July 2024
As Stephanopoulos noted, as damaging to Biden’s case have been the series of stories, in The New York Times and The Washington Post, in which anonymous sources have suggested that the president’s faltering performance was not an anomaly.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 July 2024
Noun
As Biden falters, Europeans look to safeguard the military alliance
Scammers are swiping billions from Americans every year.
—Hartford Courant, 7 July 2024
Some of these artificial voices might be capable of a moment or two of deception, but then Mary’s cadence falters, or Marcus gives a word the wrong emphasis.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for falter
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'falter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near falter
Cite this Entry
“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falter. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share