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

Other Word Forms

• staggeringly adverb
• unstaggering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of staggering¹

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

Example Sentences

"The sheer scale of executions in Iran is staggering and represents a grave violation of the right to life," the five special rapporteurs warned in a joint statement.

From BBC

TikTok filed multiple unsuccessful legal challenges against the law, calling it "unconstitutional" and claiming it would have a "staggering" impact on free speech by censoring its US users.

From BBC

Ordinary skilled workers, by contrast, now face a staggering application fee just to apply for the same H-1B status they’ve used for decades.

From Salon

After bringing her novels to the screen, including “To All the Boys” and its spin-off “XO, Kitty” on Netflix and now her powerhouse “Summer” series, the popularity of her adaptations has been staggering.

From Los Angeles Times

For decades, America has been the largest donor to Afghanistan, and in 2024, US funds made up a staggering 43% of all aid coming into the country.

From BBC

Related Words

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