What does wavering mean?
Wavering describes a state in which confidence, resolve, loyalty, or physical steadiness is no longer secure. As an adjective, it describes something that is uncertain or fluctuates, as in “wavering support” or “a wavering voice.” As a verb, it means to hesitate, weaken, or become unsteady: an opinion may waver, a speaker's voice may waver, and a person's determination may waver. The noun refers to the act or instance of wavering, especially in expressions such as “the wavering of public confidence.” Wavering is distinct from simple indecision because it often suggests a movement from firmness toward doubt or instability. The word can also be applied literally to physical motion, although this use is less common. Its defining quality is fluctuation: what was once steady, certain, or strong has begun to lose its balance.
Showing hesitation, uncertainty, or instability, especially in belief, support, confidence, or resolve.
"The minister defended his wavering position with careful explanations."
Often used of support, confidence, loyalty, resolve, or intentions that are not firmly held.
To hesitate, become less committed, or become unsteady in movement, sound, or purpose.
"Her decision wavered after she learned the full cost of the project."
The verb can describe both mental indecision and an unsteady physical or vocal quality.
The act or instance of wavering, especially a decline in confidence, support, certainty, or resolve.
"The team's wavering was evident throughout the second half of the match."
The noun is chiefly used in abstract constructions such as “the wavering of confidence” and is rarely counted.
The noun use is normally uncounted or treated as a singular instance and is chiefly found in expressions such as “the wavering of support.”
"There was a wavering of confidence among the voters."
Wavering is what confidence sounds like just before it disappears.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wavering come from?
The word developed through Middle English forms such as waven and waveren, which were borrowed from Old North French waver and Medieval Latin waverre, both associated with swaying or moving unsteadily. Its Germanic relatives include German forms such as wabern, wankelen, and wanken, which express quivering, staggering, or wavering motion. The precise remote development of the word is more certain in its medieval stages than in its proposed prehistoric Germanic ancestry.
Related word forms
How wavering is actually used
The word is neutral in register but often carries a slightly formal or literary tone. It commonly implies temporary indecision or loss of steadiness rather than a complete abandonment of belief or intention.
Easily confused with wavering
Waving involves moving the hands or another object, whereas wavering means losing steadiness, certainty, or resolve.