To waver means to become unsteady or begin to give way, either physically or mentally. When a tired gymnast's legs start to waver on the balance beam, they shake and wobble instead of staying firm. When someone's voice wavers while giving a speech, it trembles with uncertainty or emotion.

The word often describes moments when determination or confidence starts to crack. A student who was certain about her answer might waver when she sees her classmates choosing something different. A person's resolve to practice piano every day might waver after a few frustrating weeks. In these cases, wavering means hesitating, doubting, or losing the firmness of your original decision.

Wavering suggests movement back and forth, like a flag wavering in a changing wind. Someone who wavers between two choices keeps shifting from one to the other, unable to commit. A leader whose support begins to waver is losing strength or conviction, like a candle flame that wavers before going out.

The opposite of wavering is staying firm and steady. When you face a difficult challenge without wavering, you hold your ground and keep your commitment strong, even when circumstances test your determination.