falters

Falter and falters are forms of the same verb used to describe a temporary loss of stability, momentum, or confidence. As a verb, falter means to hesitate, waver, or stumble, either physically or in action, speech, or progress. The third-person singular present tense is falters, as in “the plan falters under changing conditions.” The noun falter denotes a moment of hesitation or a stumble and can describe a temporary setback in a process or performance. The plural falters is uncommon but can be used to refer to multiple such instances.

Usage is broad. In physical movement, a runner or horse may falter; in speech or performance, a speaker’s voice may falter. In systems or processes, a device or market may falter, indicating weaker performance or instability. In psychological or literary contexts, faltering conveys uncertainty, doubt, or fragility and can signal a turning point or setback in narrative tension.

Etymology and origins: The verb has English and Germanic roots with forms attested from the Middle English period. The exact origin is not entirely certain, but the sense of stumbling or losing momentum has long been part of the word’s usage in English. The noun sense “a moment of hesitation” developed in later usage.

See also: hesitate, waver, stumble, lose momentum.