Falter Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of FALTER

[no object]

1

:

to stop being strong or successful

:

to begin to fail or weaken

• The business was faltering due to poor management.
• Their initial optimism has faltered.
• signs that the economy is faltering

2

:

to begin to walk or move in an unsteady way

• Her steps began to falter.

3

:

to feel doubt about doing something

• He never faltered [=_wavered_] in his determination to go to college.

4

◊ If your voice falters, you are unable to speak normally because you are unsure about what to say or because you are feeling strong emotions.

• Her voice faltered when she spoke about her parents.

• a faltering economy

• They are trying to save their faltering [=_failing_] marriage.

• He was only able to take a few faltering steps.