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faltering

/ˈfɔltərɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: falterings

Faltering is the action of hesitating or losing strength. A game show contestant's faltering might cause her opponent to win.

Use faltering as a noun to mean the act of wavering or pausing uncertainly, or as an adjective: "My faltering answer did not impress the history professor." Faltering progress on your neighbor's house addition might make you wonder if it'll ever be finished, and a faltering career is one that's not improving or earning more money. The verb falter comes either from a Scandinavian root, or possibly the Middle English falden, "to fold."

Definitions of faltering
  1. noun
    the act of pausing uncertainly
    synonyms: falter, hesitation, waver
    see moresee less
    type of:
    pause
    temporary inactivity
  2. adjective
    unsteady in speech or action
    synonyms:
    unsteady
    subject to change or variation
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