staggering

1 of 2

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

staggering

2 of 2

present participle of stagger entry 1

Synonyms of staggering

Adjective

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

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

Adjective

Expect a staggering floor-to-ceiling ocean view everywhere - from the bed, spacious living area, and even in the expansive bathroom. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

There were a staggering 1,541 record monthly highs set or tied nationally, compared to just 87 monthly record lows set or tied. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

The film, which runs at a staggering 165 minutes, took dissident director Khrzhanovsky two decades to make. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

There’s a staggering amount of Norman Rockwells, some in interesting configurations. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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