# falter

/ˈfɔɫtɝ/ (US) · /fˈɒltɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/falter
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 4. to move unsteadily

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to move or walk in a way that looks like you might fall.

For teachers: to move unsteadily or stumble; to lose physical balance or coordination while in motion.

- The tired runner's steps began to falter in the final mile of the race.
- He took a few faltering steps toward the door before leaning against the wall for support.

### 5. an unsteady movement or sound

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a short moment of weakness, hesitation, or unsteadiness.

For teachers: an act of faltering; a momentary wavering or unsteadiness in movement, speech, or action.

- There was a slight falter in his voice when he said goodbye.
- The brief falter in the engine's rhythm was the first sign of the mechanical failure that followed.

## Examples

- His voice began to falter as he told the story.
- The runner's legs began to falter in the final lap, but she managed to cross the finish line.
- As the evidence against him mounted, the suspect's confidence began to falter, leading to a series of increasingly incoherent statements during the interrogation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.