Faltering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is losing strength or momentum, often in speech or physical action. It implies a lack of confidence or minor failure in execution.

• Her faltering voice revealed her nervousness during the presentation
• The company made a faltering start in the new market

Commonly used when someone is unsure or reluctant about taking an action or making a decision. It implies a momentary delay due to uncertainty or indecision.

• He hesitated before answering the difficult question
• Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it

Used when someone is indecisive or losing their resolve. It implies fluctuating confidence, often due to doubt or inner conflict.

• Her resolve began to waver when she faced strong opposition
• He wavered between two equally appealing job offers

Used when someone makes a mistake in movement or speech. It implies a minor failure that can cause a momentary interruption or error.

• He stumbled over his words during the speech
• She stumbled on the uneven ground and almost fell

Often used when someone stops briefly before continuing an action or speech. It implies a deliberate break, usually temporary and often to think or to emphasize something.

• She paused to collect her thoughts before continuing
• Let's pause for a moment of silence

Use 'faltering' when someone is showing a lack of confidence or is beginning to fail or weaken in their actions, usually due to uncertainty or nervousness.

• Her faltering steps revealed her lack of confidence
• His voice became faltering as he tried to explain himself

Use 'stammer' when someone speaks with sudden involuntary pauses and repetitions due to nervousness, embarrassment, or a speech disorder. This term can carry a more noticeable or severe connotation compared to 'hesitate in speech.'

• He began to stammer when asked about the incident
• She stammered her way through the presentation, clearly very nervous

Use 'hesitate' to describe moments when someone pauses before taking an action or making a decision, often because they are unsure or afraid.

• I hesitate to call him because I don't want to bother him
• She hesitated at the door, unsure if she should enter

This term describes when someone pauses while talking, often because they are unsure of what to say next or are nervous.

• During the interview, he would often hesitate in speech, showing his nervousness
• She hesitated in speech as she tried to recall the exact details

This word is used to describe something that is losing strength, momentum, or confidence. It can be applied to both physical actions and abstract concepts like speech or performance.

• His faltering speech indicated that he was unsure of his words.
• The company's faltering finances became a serious concern for investors.

This term is generally used in a technical or administrative context to refer to a device or person that controls or maintains a system, process, or situation.

• The voltage regulator helped stabilize the electrical supply.
• The financial regulator imposed new rules to prevent fraud.

This word is often used in mechanical or anatomical contexts to describe a device or structure that controls the flow of fluids, gases, or other substances.

• The plumber replaced the faulty water valve.
• The heart valve ensures that blood flows in the right direction.