WordGarden.iototter
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɒtə/
US
- /ˈtɑtər/
Meanings
Verb
to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall
to be in an unstable state and close to collapse or failure
Beyond the definition
Imagine a small child taking their first steps: wobbly, unsure, almost falling but still moving forward. That's what it means to totter. It describes walking or standing in an unsteady way, as if a fall could happen at any moment. An old person might totter across a room, and a young animal might totter as it learns to use its legs. You can also use it in a wider way. A weak plan, a shaky government, or an old building might all be said to totter when they seem close to falling apart. The word gives a feeling of poor balance and possible collapse.
To totter means to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall. It evokes an image of wobbliness, imbalance, and precariousness. Originally, it described the unsteady gait of young children learning to walk or elderly people with weakened legs. For example: "The old man tottered along the path, leaning heavily on his cane."
However, totter isn't limited to physical movement. It can also describe things that are unstable or on the verge of collapse—not just physically, but figuratively as well. A dilapidated building might totter under the weight of years and neglect: "The ancient lighthouse tottered precariously on the cliff edge."
Figuratively, you can use totter to describe something abstract that is unstable or failing. An argument built on weak evidence might totter under scrutiny. A political system facing widespread discontent could be said to totter. The word carries a sense of vulnerability and impending failure. It's not just about falling; it's about the struggle not to fall, the precarious balance maintained with effort. So when you see something—or someone—tottering, pay attention: it might be on its way down.
Examples
- 1
First steps
The baby tottered across the living room and fell into her father's arms.
- 2
Unstable stack
The pile of boxes tottered for a moment, then crashed to the floor.
- 3
Business crisis
After months of heavy losses, the company was tottering on the brink of bankruptcy.
- Patterntotter on the brink of + bad result
be very close to it
- 4
Political crisis
By the end of the week, the government was tottering after yet another scandal.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- totterverb
Forms
- tottering-ing formverb
- totteredpast tenseverb
- tottersverb