shocking

adjective

shock·​ing ˈshä-kiŋ 

: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive

shocking news

shockingly

ˈshä-kiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of shocking

• startling
• surprising
• amazing
• stunning
• astonishing

Examples of shocking in a Sentence

The number of young teenagers who smoke is shocking.

a shocking waste of money

The building is in a shocking state.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shaquille O’Neal executive produces ID’s newest true crime offering, a limited series that resurfaces six of the most shocking murders in sports history. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026

In perhaps the most shocking playoff matchup of the season, California swept out Chicago for 3rd place and a massive boost to its playoff hopes. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Here in Jordan, as well as the other Gulf countries, the attacks in the last week or so were shocking. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

This mixture of raucous comedy and unusually vivid war scenes was considered quite shocking for its time. — Tim Page, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing shocking

• shocking pink

Rhymes for shocking

• blocking
• calking
• caulking
• chalking
• clocking
• cocking
• docking
• flocking
• gawking
• knocking
• locking
• mocking

Kids Definition

shocking

adjective

shock·​ing

: causing horror or disgust

a shocking crime

shocking behavior

shockingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb