staggering

adjective

stag·​ger·​ing ˈsta-g(ə-)riŋ 

: so great as to cause one to stagger : astonishing, overwhelming

a staggering feat

staggering medical bills

staggeringly adverb

Synonyms

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• awesome
• awful
• eye-opening
• fabulous
• marvelous
• marvellous
• miraculous
• portentous
• prodigious
• stunning
• stupendous
• sublime
• surprising
• wonderful
• wondrous

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

High costs, complex insurance structures, and limited access to primary and preventive care exacerbate disparities, leaving millions underserved or without care altogether–despite the U.S. spending a staggering 18% of GDP on healthcare costs. —The Sorenson Impact Institute, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Each detector is responsible for uncovering information in 17 unique wavelength bands; so altogether, this infrared eye on the sky is able to study the universe in a staggering 102 bands. —Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025

That’s down 19% from 2000-01 and a staggering 50% decline since 1970. —Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025

In 2015, the program’s 68-63 victory over Wisconsin averaged a staggering 28.3 million viewers, marking the 16th-biggest draw in March Madness history. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for staggering

• swaggering

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