English Reference
Noun

faltering

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfɔɫtɝɪŋ/ UK /fˈɒltəɹɪŋ/ fal·ter·ing

n.staggering or losing your balance while walking. It can also describe a voice that is shaking or a plan that is starting to fail.

n.staggering or losing one's balance while walking; failing to maintain a steady course or a steady voice. Often used to describe a physical stumble or a weakening of resolve.


SIMPLE

The old man took a faltering step toward the door.

CONTEXTUAL

After the long hike, her legs felt weak and she took a faltering step onto the uneven rocks.

COMPLEX

The speaker's faltering voice betrayed his nervousness, though he managed to finish the speech with a final, steady breath.

Reviewers are struggling to keep up, and the system appears to be faltering.

Ars Technica· 10 Aug 2026

From falter + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated