staggering

adjective

stag·​ger·​ing ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
Synonyms of staggeringnext
: 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.
On current trajectories, these economies are expected to generate only about 400 million jobs over that same period — leaving a gap of staggering proportions. Ajaypal Banga, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 While the United States has had a staggering trade deficit for decades, the balance-of-payments is near zero. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 That’s a modest footprint for what turned out to be a staggering haul. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026 Beginning that year, Sedaka was second to Elvis Presley in terms of records sold for five years, selling a staggering 40 million records. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staggering. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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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