staggering

adjective

stag·​ger·​ing ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ 

: so great as to cause one to stagger : astonishing, overwhelming

a staggering feat

staggering medical bills

staggeringly adverb

Synonyms

• astonishing
• amazing
• marvellous
• surprising
• wonderful
• miraculous
• incredible
• stunning
• sublime

Examples of staggering in a Sentence

The storm caused a staggering amount of damage.

the staggering scope of the new construction on campus

Recent Examples on the Web

Globally, the medical cannabis market was valued at approximately €4.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach over €62 billion by 2030—recording a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55%. —Robert Hoban, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

F1s have been sold for staggering prices over the years with no signs of their values slowing down. —Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Democrats wanted to raise them, saying that corporations with staggering profits were not paying their fair share. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025

In the United States, the ropewalk built at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston in 1838 was a staggering one thousand, three hundred and twenty-five feet long and made naval ropes until it was closed in 1971. —Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for staggering

• swaggering

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