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

• astonishing
• amazing
• marvellous
• 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

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

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