falter

/ˈfɒltə(r)/verb

To become unsteady, weak, or hesitant; to lose strength or fade away.

Example sentences

“Her voice faltered as she read the sad news aloud.”
“His confidence began to falter halfway through the job interview.”

Voices, steps, courage, and economies all falter. The word suggests a stumble that may recover, not a full collapse: 'She never faltered.'

Synonyms for falter

waver
stumble
hesitate
weaken
flag

Related words

familyPeople connected to one another by birth, marriage, or adoption, especially a set of parents and their children.fallacyAn idea that many people believe but that is false, often because it is based on faulty reasoning.fancifulComing from the imagination rather than from real life; imaginative or unreal.faithfulStaying loyal and devoted to a person, promise, or cause.fascinateTo hold someone's attention completely by being extremely interesting or attractive.facultyThe teachers and researchers of a school, college, or university, as distinct from its students and support workers.