halting
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɔɫtɪŋ// UK //hˈɒltɪŋ// halt·ing
adj. stopping and starting many times because you are nervous or not sure what to do. You use this to describe someone's speech or movement when it is not smooth.
adj. characterised by frequent pauses, hesitations, or interruptions. Often describes speech or physical movement that lacks fluency or steady progress.
He spoke in a halting voice because he was nervous.
The peace talks made halting progress as both sides struggled to agree on the first few points of the treaty.
Her halting explanation suggested she was either deeply uncomfortable with the topic or was carefully choosing her words to avoid revealing too much information to the investigators.
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'speech', 'progress', or 'steps'.