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

Her superpower had nothing to do with vampires and everything to do with her staggering talent. — Judy Berman, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

That figure is a staggering 279% over the average for non-Indy 500 races on Sundays. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

This year, London witnessed a staggering jump in the number of sales valued above £15 million ($20 million), and it’s largely being driven by Americans with deep pockets, according to luxury real estate company Beauchamp Estates. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

At 89, the surviving half of Sam & Dave has endured the stunning highs and staggering lows of pop music stardom since Alaimo tapped his talents. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 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