staggering

adjective

stag·​ger·​ing ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
: so great as to cause one to stagger : astonishing, overwhelming
a staggering feat
staggering medical bills
staggeringly adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Los Angeles County alone, a staggering 11.1 million tons of organic waste are sent to landfills each year—and food waste makes up about 21%. David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 At the center of the narrative are the two girls, who become women with interwoven lives marked by staggering violence, fierce loyalty, and heartbreaking betrayal. Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025 While the streaming service provider isn't facing a staggering settlement, $3.4 million is still notable for a company that isn't profitable. ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025 The Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose a staggering 26 feet in 45 minutes, officials said. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for staggering

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staggering was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staggering. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on staggering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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