falteringly

fal·ter  (fôltr)

intr.v. fal·tered, fal·ter·ing, fal·ters

1. To be unsteady in purpose or action, as from loss of courage or confidence; waver. See Synonyms at hesitate.

2. To speak hesitatingly; stammer.

3.

a. To move ineptly or haltingly; stumble.

b. To operate or perform unsteadily or with a loss of effectiveness: The automobile engine faltered.

n.

1. Unsteadiness in speech or action.

2. A faltering sound.

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[Middle English falteren, to stagger, possibly from Old Norse faltrask, to be puzzled, hesitate.]

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falter·er n.

falter·ing·ly adv.

Thesaurus

Adv.

1.

falteringly - in an unsteady manner; "he walked unsteadily toward the exit"; "The wounded soldier was swinging unsteadily on his legs" uncertainly, unsteadily