English vocabulary · B2
Falter
/ˈfɔːl.tər/ · v.
It means to lose strength and slow down, or to become uncertain and stop.
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Example sentences
- Her voice faltered as she spoke to the crowd.
- He never faltered, even when the race got hard.
Word origin and roots
from Old Norse
- fal — fold, fail (from Old Norse)
Synonyms and nuances
- HESITATE — pause with uncertainty (A moment of doubt)
- WAVER — become less steady (Back and forth, unsure)
- STUMBLE — trip or lose balance (A physical or verbal slip)
Similar words
- hesitate
- waver
- stumble
Lesson notes
Falter. It means to lose strength and slow down, or to become uncertain and stop.
Similar words are hesitate, waver, and stumble. Use falter when someone loses power or confidence at a key moment.
Her voice faltered as she spoke to the crowd. He never faltered, even when the race got hard.
From Old Norse. Fal- means fold or fail. When your steps fold under you — that is falter.