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 staggering backlog of basic maintenance is driving up Los Angeles’ liability costs, leaving even less money to repair public infrastructure.

From Los Angeles Times

After opting to bat first the tourists, who made a staggering six changes from their historic third Test defeat by New Zealand earlier in November, were reduced to 32-3 and 73-6.

From BBC

“Bribing government officials in India is not news, but the amounts mentioned are staggering. I suspect the US has names of some of those who were the intended recipients. This has potential reverberations for the Indian political scene. There is more to come,” Mr Kumar believes.

From BBC

The digital token was trading around $98,000 this morning, adding to its staggering post-Election Day rally.

From New York Times

Another bright spot: Demand for Blackwell, its newest A.I. chip, “is staggering,” Colette Kress, the company’s C.F.O., told analysts.

From New York Times

Related Words

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