shocking

[shok-ing]

adjective

1. causing intense surprise, disgust, horror, etc.

   Synonyms: appalling, startling, astounding, staggering

2. very bad.

   shocking manners.

shocking

/ ˈʃɒkɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing shock, horror, or disgust

2. a vivid or garish shade of pink

3. informal,  very bad or terrible

   shocking weather

Other Word Forms

• shockingly adverb
• shockingness noun
• unshocking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shocking¹

First recorded in 1685–95; shock ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The lack of a reporting standard has been shocking, Kelly said, but the new frameworks serve as necessary building blocks to improve transparency.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It’s a shocking moment and a clear sign that “Urchin” has no intention of romanticizing Mike or actively eliciting our sympathies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A construction team made a shocking discovery at the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon when they inadvertently unearthed a World War II-era explosive device, authorities said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It looked like that trend was continuing in the most shocking of twists, with Beaumont and Jones undone by swing before some soft dismissals followed.

Read more on BBC

"It's shocking, even after all these years in this job."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• appalling 
• awful 
• disgraceful 
• disgusting 
• disquieting 
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• dreadful 
• ghastly 
• heinous 
• horrible 
• horrific 
• horrifying 
• shameful 
• terrible 
• ugly