C2verbhealthbusiness
US/ˈtɑː.tər/
UK/ˈtɒt.ə/
to walk with weak, unsteady steps, or (of a company or government) to be close to collapse
In context
The old man tottered across the room, holding on to the furniture.
The toddler tottered a few steps and then sat down hard.
After the long race, she tottered over the finish line.
Words that go with totter
verb + preposition
- totter alongThe drunk man tottered along the sidewalk.
- totter acrossShe tottered across the ice in her thin shoes.
- totter to his feetHe tottered to his feet and reached for his cane.
- totter on the brinkThe company tottered on the brink of bankruptcy.
verb + adverb
- totter unsteadilyThe baby tottered unsteadily toward her mother.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He tottered the street.Correct: He tottered along the street.