What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
faltering
Example
She spoke with a faltering voice, unsure of what to say next. [faltering: adjective]
Example
The company's profits have been faltering for the past few years. [faltering: present participle]
wavering
Example
He was wavering between two options, unable to make a decision. [wavering: present participle]
Example
Her confidence in her abilities was wavering after receiving criticism. [wavering: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wavering is more commonly used than faltering in everyday language. Wavering is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while faltering is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between faltering and wavering?
Both faltering and wavering are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, wavering is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
