Trail off Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Fading Often signals a decrease in emotions or interest during speaking. I thought she was excited about the plan, but her voice trailed off at the end. Pro Tip 2/3Uncertain Ending Indicates the speaker may be unsure or hesitant to keep talking. He mentioned the holiday plans and then trailed off, looking uncertain. Pro Tip 3/3Attention Shift Used when the speaker's or listener's attention moves elsewhere. As the kitten entered the room, her explanation about the project trailed off.