faltered; faltering
ˈfȯl-t(ə-)riŋ 
1
2
: to speak brokenly or weakly : stammer
her voice faltered
3
a
: to hesitate in purpose or action : waver
he never faltered in his determination
b
: to lose drive or effectiveness
the business was faltering
: to utter hesitatingly or brokenly
faltered an excuse
Examples of falter in a Sentence
Verb
The business was faltering due to poor management.
Their initial optimism has faltered.
signs that the economy is faltering
Her steps began to falter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025
The industry also plans to mix hydrogen into its existing gas utility pipeline network, but those efforts have faltered amid local opposition.
—NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Yankees’ bullpen falters in first postseason test The Yankees’ biggest weakness in the regular season was their bullpen.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for falter
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Verb
There has been optimism at times with this Cowboys team powered by the top offense in the NFL, but the defense continues to falter at the worst moments at crucial points in close games.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025
The industry also plans to mix hydrogen into its existing gas utility pipeline network, but those efforts have faltered amid local opposition.
—NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
Between sentences of Italian, the two falter, Knox in tears, Mignini unwilling to bend, and try to work their way through the case and their motivations.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Yankees’ bullpen falters in first postseason test The Yankees’ biggest weakness in the regular season was their bullpen.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for falter
Cite this Entry
“Falter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falter. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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