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

Fill up on gas and peruse a staggering menu of over 700 variations of fizzy pop, including weird and wonderful flavors such as teriyaki beef jerky soda. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

The crowd was quiet as the Hawks were still staggering from the three-goal outburst. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

So far, the Commission has received over 1,200 comments, a staggering amount far beyond the typical satellite application. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 7 Mar. 2026

The findings, and the staggering projections that accompany them, offer a data-rich foundation for anyone teaching or working in the life sciences. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 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