Faltering
/ˈfɔːl.tər.ɪŋ/noun
Becoming unsteady, hesitant, or weak in movement, speech, or action.
Did you know?The English verb *falter* is probably connected to an old Germanic sound-imitative root for stumbling or flapping, which is why it carries that shaky, unstable energy rather than a clean “fall” meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*falt- / *faltrōną
“A root associated with stumbling, wavering, or moving unsteadily.”
Old English
OE
falterian
“To stumble, hesitate, or speak in a broken way.”
Middle English
ME
falteren
“To stagger, waver, or fail in steadiness of speech or action.”
Modern English
English
falter
“To become weak, unsteady, or hesitant.”
Modern English
English
faltering
“Present participle/adjective describing something wavering or weakening.”