earthshaking

American  

[urth-shey-king] / ˈɜrθˌʃeɪ kɪŋ /

Also earth-shattering, or earth-shaking

adjective

1. imperiling, challenging, or affecting basic beliefs, attitudes, relationships, etc.

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earthshaking British  

/ ˈɜːθˌʃeɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal of enormous importance or consequence; momentous

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Other Word Forms

• earthshaker noun

Etymology

Origin of earthshaking

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; see origin at earth, shaking

Explanation

When something is earthshaking, it’s so loud or significant that it feels like the whole world could tremble in response. Whether it’s a sound loud enough to shake the earth or an event significant enough to impact the entire world, earthshaking moments leave a lasting impression. A thunderous explosion that can be felt all over town is an example of a literally earthshaking event. In a figurative sense, an earthshaking discovery would be the existence of life on other planets.

Example Sentences

Because while it might not be earthshaking news, it bears repeating: Prolonged desk work can lead to a host of musculoskeletal issues, from annoying aches and pains to injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025

The convergence is a reminder of just how earthshaking #MeToo was for Hollywood.

From New York Times • Oct. 24, 2022

“It’s not an earthshaking aspect of the investigation.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2022

Your music was so loud, and the bass so earthshaking that I just had to investigate while out for my “quiet” evening stroll.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2022

He tuned to the news, expecting to hear about the earthshaking story on the front page of the Times.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin