Word
faltering
Phoneticsfal·ter·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɫtɝɪŋ/
UK/fˈɒltəɹɪŋ/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The old man took a faltering step toward the door.”
“After the long hike, her legs felt weak and she took a faltering step onto the uneven rocks.”
“The speaker's faltering voice betrayed his nervousness, though he managed to finish the speech with a final, steady breath.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“At the same time, the labor market isn’t faltering.” “Reviewers are struggling to keep up, and the system appears to be faltering.” Etymology
From falter + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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