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 of staggering

• astonishing
• amazing
• 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

Though entirely virtual, the event raised a staggering $260,000. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

The season earned a staggering 25 Emmy nominations earlier this summer, more than any other series—including one for Ball’s performance. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026

Those billion users are turning to Google’s AI to make a staggering 150 million images every day. — ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

From 2006 to 2023, an SEC team won a staggering 13 of a possible 17 national championships during the era of both the BCS and College Football Playoff. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

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