sputter

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.

Instead, productivity growth has all but collapsed since the pandemic, and even before then was starting to sputter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

An added benefit: so-called “old-economy” U.S. stocks, including industrials, commodity producers, and financials, could offer refuge if enthusiasm for artificial-intelligence-related stocks begins to sputter.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

Detroit, which can sputter offensively, controls this one with tempo and physicality.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025

The U.S. jobs market had started to sputter well before the government shutdown began in October — and there’s little evidence to suggest businesses are looking to hire lots more workers.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 22, 2025

Each in turn screwed shut his eyes, turned red, and started to tear and sputter and bend over.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover