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 team also experienced an economic windfall this season, thanks to the staggering revenue boosts that came with Ohtani’s celebrated arrival and the club’s first full-season World Series title since 1988.

From Los Angeles Times

But Los Angeles’ staggering backlog of basic maintenance is hurting residents and driving up liability costs.

From Los Angeles Times

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Urgent measures must be taken to address the staggering level of abuse being suffered by bus drivers."

From BBC

Last year Nigeria’s parliament reported that over the previous decade the state had spent a staggering $25bn trying and failing to fix the moribund facilities.

From BBC

Residents in the foothills above Camarillo are grappling with scenes of staggering destruction after the Mountain fire flattened scores of homes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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