Halting

Halting describes something that is slow, hesitant, or unsteady in movement or progress. It suggests a lack of fluency or smoothness, often due to uncertainty, difficulty, or obstruction. This can apply to physical actions, speech, or the development of an idea or process. The term implies a stop-and-go pattern, marked by pauses and hesitations, interrupting a continuous flow. It conveys a sense of struggle or impediment, where forward momentum is not consistent or assured. The cause can be a physical disability, lack of confidence, or some type of resistance.

Halting meaning with examples

• His Halting steps betrayed his injury; each stride was painful and tentative. Despite his determination, he moved slowly and cautiously across the uneven terrain, making frequent stops. His slow and unsteady movement created a sense of unease, indicating his physical limitations. His lack of balance made any smooth or fluid locomotion impossible.
• The student’s Halting presentation demonstrated a lack of preparation; he stumbled over his words and struggled to articulate his points. His ideas, poorly formulated, were presented in a disjointed manner, making it difficult to follow. He frequently paused and hesitated, clearly unsure of the material. The awkward pauses made it difficult to retain interest.
• The negotiation process was often Halting, with frequent disagreements and setbacks. Progress was made in fits and starts, with each side unwilling to concede points. Breakthroughs were rare, and periods of standstill often took place. The lack of trust between the parties created significant barriers.
• Her Halting attempts at painting, using unfamiliar techniques, resulted in a series of imperfect but developing creations. Her brushstrokes were uneven, the colors were not blended well, and her work did not show a refined technique. Her slow progress did not affect her patience to try again. It was clear her skill still required refinement.