falter

/ˈfɔːltə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːltər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯl-tər/ (ame, mw)

falter — verb

  • falterpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • faltershe / she / it
  • falteredpast simple
  • faltering-ing form

1. to become weaker, less steady, or less certain while something is already happen

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to become weaker, less steady, or less certain while something is already happening, so that it slows down or nearly stops.

例句

After two costly mistakes, Anthony began to falter in the final set.

begin to falter during performance under pressure

Public support faltered when the mayor ignored the flood warnings.

abstract subject: support faltered

同義詞
  • waver

    Often stresses unstable resolve or support rather than a general loss of force

  • weaken

    More general and less likely to suggest a brief moment of uncertainty

  • fade

    Suggests gradual loss, often without the sense of pressure or hesitation

反義詞
  • steady

    Means to become firm and controlled again

  • persist

    Emphasizes continuing despite difficulty

文法句型

falter in confidence

falter under pressure

support falters

plans begin to falter

用法筆記

This sense usually describes confidence, effort, support, or progress weakening after an action has already started. Distinguish it from sense 3, which is specifically about speech becoming broken or shaky.

常見錯誤

❌Her confidence faltered down after the first question.
✅Her confidence faltered after the first question.
💡'Falter' does not need an extra particle such as 'down'.
❌The speech faltered him in front of the class.
✅He faltered during the speech in front of the class.
💡'Falter' is usually intransitive, not followed by a direct object.

2. to move unsteadily for a moment, seeming close to a fall on your next step.

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to move unsteadily for a moment, seeming close to a fall on your next step.

例句

Vivek faltered on the icy path and grabbed the rail.

falter on + surface while moving

Carrying three boxes, the courier faltered at the apartment stairs.

同義詞
  • stumble

    Often implies catching your foot on something specific

  • totter

    Suggests repeated weak, shaky steps rather than one brief loss of balance

  • sway

    Focuses on side-to-side movement, not necessarily walking

反義詞
  • stride

    Suggests strong, confident steps

  • march

    Adds a sense of firmness and regular rhythm

文法句型

falter on the stairs

falter at the doorway

falter under a load

用法筆記

This sense is about a brief loss of balance in actual movement, often while walking. It suggests that the person or animal nearly falls, unlike sense 1, which is about confidence or progress weakening.

常見錯誤

❌She faltered the heavy bag up the stairs.
✅She faltered while carrying the heavy bag up the stairs.
💡'Falter' does not take the thing being carried as a direct object.

3. to speak with pauses, broken words, or a shaky voice because you feel nervous, e

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to speak with pauses, broken words, or a shaky voice because you feel nervous, emotional, or unsure.

例句

Asher faltered during the apology and had to start again.

falter during + speech event

Manuela's voice faltered when she thanked the nurses after surgery.

voice as subject

同義詞
  • stammer

    More strongly suggests repeated difficulty producing sounds

  • waver

    Can describe a shaky voice, but is broader and less tied to broken speech

  • trail off

    Focuses on speech becoming quieter or unfinished at the end

反義詞

文法句型

voice falters

falter during an apology

falter over a name or detail

用法筆記

This sense is common when emotion, pressure, or uncertainty affects someone's speech or voice. Distinguish it from sense 1, which can describe general progress or confidence, not just speaking.

常見錯誤

❌She faltered that she was sorry.
✅She faltered, "I'm sorry," and looked away.
💡Use 'falter' for the manner of speaking, not with a that-clause.
❌His voice faltered him during the interview.
✅His voice faltered during the interview.
💡The verb is normally intransitive.

falter — noun