sputtering

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even though China’s growth momentum is sputtering, it remains unclear if policymakers will jump into action, as the solid economic performance in the first quarter and robust exports have reduced expectations for near-term stimulus measures.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

GDP rebounded in the first quarter and grew at a solid 2% annual rate after sputtering at the end of last year.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

But what’s extra notable about the sputtering tech partnerships of the 2020s is how baldly they smack of desperation.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

While the jet-fuel and fertilizer narrative is a nice contrast to sputtering airline stocks, regulatory changes at home, rather than supply disruptions in the Middle East, are what have analysts on Wall Street most excited.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

After perhaps five minutes, I heard the churning metallic sound of the starter, and the sputtering of the engine, muffled because it was inside the barn.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien