staggering

[ stag-uh-ring ]

adjective

1. tending to stagger or overwhelm:

   a staggering amount of money required in the initial investment.

ˈstaggering

/ ˈstæɡərɪŋ /

adjective

1. astounding or overwhelming; shocking

   a staggering increase in demand

Derived Forms

• ˈstaggeringly, adverb

Other Words From

• stagger·ing·ly adverb
• un·stagger·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of staggering¹

First recorded in 1555–65; stagger + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The production is built around Scherzinger’s icon status and staggering musical gifts.

From Los Angeles Times

Democrats need to take a long, hard look at that staggering arithmetic: Thirteen million Biden voters either switched to Trump or, in more cases than not, simply couldn’t be bothered.

From Salon

I can recognize the gains we've made despite and because of staggering setbacks.

From Salon

It said the £600m in funding was "a drop in the ocean compared to the staggering £2.4bn in rising costs associated with wage increases and employer national insurance contributions".

From BBC

Finishing a staggering 39 points below winners Inter resulted in the worst title defence in Serie A history.

From BBC

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• mind-boggling
• shocking
• stunning