staggering

1 of 2

adjective

stag·​ger·​ing ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce staggering (audio)
Synonyms of staggering
: 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

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Adjective

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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
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Adjective
The industry is staggering to deal with aging hardware and an aging workforce. — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026 In Colorado, the staggering die-off of the majestic pines is difficult to stomach. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Scientists have discovered the staggering loss of more than half a million chinstrap penguins from the isolated outcrop. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 The Baltic Exchange reported the staggering numbers as attacks on tankers rose across multiple theaters of war. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staggering

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staggering was in 1565

Rhymes for staggering

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Browse Nearby Words

stagger grass
staggering
staggering bob
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Cite this Entry

“Staggering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staggering. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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