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

Approving extra war funding will be difficult, even among Republicans supporting the Iran effort, as the nation confronts staggering annual deficits reaching nearly $2 trillion this year. — Kevin Freking, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Last week, a Chinese court sentenced a municipal official in Nanjing to death for accepting bribes worth a staggering $325 million, one of the biggest hauls ever. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

If this first satellite proves itself, mission planners envision lofting 36 satellites by next year, 5,000 by 2030, and a staggering 50,000 by 2035. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 July 2026

With the fans at full speed, the Spéirling Pure can generate a staggering 3 gs during cornering and braking. — New Atlas, 11 July 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