Faltering

Faltering meaning refers to something that’s losing strength, purpose, or confidence, often resulting in hesitation or uncertainty.

History of the Word Faltering

Origins and Early Usage

The word faltering has its origins in the Middle English word “falteren,” which means “to stammer” or “hesitate.” Over time, its usage expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings related to uncertainty and unsteadiness.

Evolution

As the English language evolved, faltering began to be used to describe actions or processes that were hesitant, wavering, or unsteady. This could refer to someone faltering in speech, walking with faltering steps, or even a faltering economy.

Table of Contents

Contemporary Usage

In contemporary English, faltering is commonly used as an adjective to describe a state of hesitation, uncertainty, or a loss of confidence. For example, one might refer to a faltering attempt to succeed or a faltering voice in public speaking.

English (Faltering As Adjective)

Etymology

Faltering has Middle English origins, initially meaning “to stammer,” evolving into hesitancy or uncertainty.

Pronunciation

Pronounced: /ˈfɔːltərɪŋ/ (FAWL-tuh-ring).

Forms of Faltering

Adjective	Faltering
Comparative Degree	more faltering
Superlative Degree	most faltering
Adverb	Falteringly
Noun	Falteringness

Derived Terms

Falter
Falteringly
Faltered
Faltering steps
Faltering voice
Faltering economy
Faltering progress
Faltering confidence
Faltering performance
Faltering resolve

Translations

Spanish: Vacilante
French: Hésitant
German: Zögernd
Italian: Titubante
Portuguese: Vacilante
Chinese (Simplified): 踌躇的 (Chóuchú de)
Japanese: ためらう (Tameru)
Faltering meaning in Hindi: लड़खड़ाहट (Laṛkhaḍāhaṭ)
Urdu: لڑکھڑاہٹ (Laṛkhaḍāhaṭ)
Russian: Колеблющийся (Koleblyushchiysya)

Synonyms

Hesitating
Wavering
Uncertain
Indecisive
Vacillating

Antonyms

Confident
Steady
Resolute
Unwavering
Determined

Examples Sentence

His faltering voice showed nervousness.
The faltering economy raised concerns.
She made a faltering attempt to explain.

FAQs (People May Also Ask)

What is the difference between faltering and hesitating?

Faltering often implies a degree of unsteadiness or loss of strength, while hesitating typically indicates a momentary pause or doubt.

Can faltering describe physical actions?

Yes, faltering can describe physical actions that are hesitant, wavering, or unsteady, such as faltering steps.

Is falteringly an adverb form of faltering?

Yes, falteringly is the adverb form of faltering and describes how something is done hesitantly or unsteadily.

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Faltering – Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms