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

And that’s just the appetizer, as Godzilla’s return heralds a battle of staggering vastness. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026

The building projects envisaged by the tech industry are on a truly staggering scale. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026

The belvedere, the Terrace of Infinity, is crowned by a series of marble busts, and while the Amalfi Coast isn’t lacking in postcard-perfect viewpoints, this staggering spot rising nearly 1,200 feet above the Mediterranean is a scene-stealer. — Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

But while the show has had staggering success and an enduring legacy over the past decade off the air, it’s also been marked by multiple tragedies. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 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