staggering

1 of 2

adjective

stag·​ger·​ing ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
Synonyms of staggering
: so great as to cause one to stagger : astonishing, overwhelming
a staggering feat
staggering medical bills
staggeringly adverb

staggering

2 of 2

present participle of stagger entry 1

Synonyms of staggering

Relevance

Adjective

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Examples of staggering in a Sentence

Adjective The storm caused a staggering amount of damage. the staggering scope of the new construction on campus
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Buying a home in California requires a colossal amount of money — and coming up with a 20% cash down payment of $180,000 for a median price home is a staggering hurdle for many would-be buyers. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Much of the rest of the film, adapted from a short story by Ursula Wills-Jones and directed by real-life couple Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, focuses on the couple’s staggering carnal connection. — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 After years of stagnant power growth, the US is absolutely starving for more electricity, with demand projected to rise by 25 percent by the end of this decade, and a staggering 78 percent by 2050. — Sara Herschander, Vox, 22 Oct. 2026 Its mix of escapist fantasy and emotional substance has never felt more dialed in, nor the political relevance of staggering income inequality and meddlesome tycoons more pronounced. — Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staggering

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staggering was in 1565

Rhymes for staggering

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Browse Nearby Words

stagger grass
staggering
staggering bob
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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staggering. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

staggering

adjective
stag·​ger·​ing
: so great as to cause one to stagger : astonishing, overwhelming
a staggering achievement
staggering medical bills
staggeringly
ˈstag-(ə-)riŋ-lē
adverb
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