staggering

adjective

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But it was mixed with pain from staggering losses and concern about what comes next. Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025 Sydney to London is a staggering at 10,573 miles, and could take 20 hours, while the distance to New York is approximately 9,950 miles. AFAR Media, 9 Oct. 2025 String together at staggering heights for a friendly and cheap Halloween craft idea for kids. Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025 On July 1, it was captured hurtling through space at a staggering speed of 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h). Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for staggering

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staggering was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staggering. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on staggering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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