Word
wavering
Phoneticswa·ver·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈweɪvɝɪŋ/
UK/wˈeɪvəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. moving from side to side or back and forth, often because of a lack of strength or confidence. You use this to describe someone who is not sure about their decision or a light that is flickering.
adj. moving unsteadily from side to side or back and forth, typically due to a lack of stability or resolve. Often describes physical movement or a fluctuation in opinion or belief.
Examples
“The candle flame was wavering in the wind.”
“The politician's wavering support for the new law caused many of his colleagues to lose confidence in his leadership.”
“As the sun began to set, the shadows of the trees became long and wavering, creating a sense of unease that settled over the quiet valley.”
Examples
simple
“The candle flame was wavering in the wind.”
contextual
“The politician's wavering support for the new law caused many of his colleagues to lose confidence in his leadership.”
complex
“As the sun began to set, the shadows of the trees became long and wavering, creating a sense of unease that settled over the quiet valley.”
Real-World Examples
“So in the face of wavering voter trust – some of it driven by forces outside their control – what can election officials actually do?” Etymology
From waver + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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