wavering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "wavering" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is uncertain or undecided about something, often due to indecisiveness. Example sentence: She showed a wavering attitude when responding to the job offer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nicola Sturgeon won that debate tonight," said Sam, 27, who works for a gambling firm and is wavering between Labour and the Tories.

The Guardian

In its efforts to better profile wavering voters, Yes Scotland asks people to put themselves on a scale of 1 to 10 on a white canvassing card to show how opposed or supportive they are to independence.

The Guardian

Back in Washington, administration officials have been doing back-room deals and strong-arming wavering Democrats.

The Guardian

By raising the prospect that Obama would eat Romney's lunch during the fall campaign, Gingrich gave wavering Republicans permission to vote for him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Simon Rosenberg, a strategist and president of NDN, a left-leaning Washington think tank that tracks issues important to Latino voters, said conservatives wavering on immigration reform would have to "claw their way back" as Clinton tacked to the left herself.

The Guardian

In Finch's brutality, in Bairstow and Root's uncertainty, in Australia's bare cupboard and England's wavering second string (what awaits Buttler and Hales and Ballance and Morgan and the rest?) lays the conundrum facing the modern batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

We'd also like hear whether you made your mind up who to vote for, or are you still wavering?

The Guardian

To achieve a change in government the party should have focussed on its many policies that would have appealed to wavering Tory and Liberal Democrat voters.

The Guardian

His crucial intervention was to provide wavering voters a guarantee that further devolution would be delivered on a clear timetable, with a broad plan finalised by the end of November and a final agreement reached in January 2015.

The Guardian

That leaves just a few weeks for Ms Kopacz to act, and to draw the ire of prelates and conservatives.She has already shown signs of wavering.

The Economist

Anger has spread beyond the drugs world: Lord Drayson, the science minister, sent a private e-mail to Downing Street asking if the "big mistake" of Dr Nutt's dismissal could be reversed (it could not), and many of science's great and good have voiced their dismay.Two more of the 31-member ACMD have since resigned in protest, and at least five others are said to be wavering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wavering", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being uncertain or fluctuating. For instance, specify whether it's a person's opinion, a political alliance, or a physical object like a "wavering" flame.

Common error

Avoid using "wavering" simply to mean "weak" or "failing". While something "wavering" might be unstable, it specifically implies a back-and-forth movement or indecision, not just a general lack of strength. Use it to suggest fluctuation rather than collapse.

Linguistic Context

The term "wavering" functions as a verb in its present participle form (e.g., "is wavering") and as an adjective describing something unsteady or fluctuating. It can also function as a noun, denoting a state of indecision. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "wavering" is a versatile word used to describe uncertainty, fluctuation, or instability. Functioning as a verb, adjective, or noun, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, "wavering" suggests a lack of resoluteness or steadiness. It frequently appears in news and media, signifying "fluctuating" opinions, support, or commitment. Related terms include "hesitating", "vacillating", and "oscillating", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. To ensure accurate usage, avoid using "wavering" as a direct synonym for "weak", and always provide context to specify what is exhibiting uncertainty. "Wavering" provides a nuanced way to convey instability or indecision, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacillating

Emphasizes indecision and alternating between opinions or actions.

hesitating

Highlights a pause or reluctance before acting or deciding.

fluctuating

Focuses on irregular variations or changes in something.

undecided

Directly states a lack of decision or resolution.

irresolute

Indicates a lack of determination or firmness of purpose.

equivocating

Highlights ambiguity or indirectness in speech or action.

in two minds

An idiomatic expression meaning to be uncertain or undecided.

on the fence

An idiomatic expression for being neutral or undecided.

swaying

Implies being influenced or moved back and forth by different factors.

oscillating

Describes moving repeatedly from one point to another.

FAQs

How can I use "wavering" in a sentence?

You can use "wavering" to describe something that is unsteady or showing hesitation. For example, "The government is "wavering" on its commitment to climate change," or "His "wavering" voice betrayed his nervousness."

What are some synonyms for "wavering" that I can use instead?

Alternatives to "wavering" include "hesitating", "fluctuating", "vacillating", "undecided", and "irresolute". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "wavering in their support"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. This phrase indicates that someone's support is becoming less firm or reliable. It suggests they are becoming "undecided" or "hesitating" in their commitment.

What's the difference between "wavering" and "faltering"?

"Wavering" suggests an oscillation or indecision, a back-and-forth movement. "Faltering", on the other hand, suggests a decline or weakening, a loss of strength or momentum. While both imply instability, "wavering" emphasizes "fluctuating", while "faltering" emphasizes "declining".