world-shaking

American  

[wurld-shey-king] / ˈwɜrldˌʃeɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. of sufficient size or importance to affect the entire world.

   the world-shaking effects of an international clash.

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world-shaking British  

adjective

1. of enormous significance; momentous

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Etymology

Origin of world-shaking

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Unlike, say, the otherworldly and world-shaking Beyoncé or the aspirational and dramatically surgically altered Kardashians, Swift remains someone fans see themselves in, with her earnest lyrics and basic-bitch aesthetic.

From Slate • Aug. 28, 2025

The programme team agreed, suggesting a raft of world-shaking innovations from hologram surgery to space junk gel.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2024

If nothing else, the time away has sharpened the resolve of BTS’ famed Army of fans to organize in their stead — and plan for the world-shaking event of their return, whenever it comes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2023

Google said it had made a breakthrough in correcting errors in quantum computing, a major challenge for the potentially world-shaking technology.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2023

I have further established, at least to my own satisfaction, that those states with the shortest histories and the least world-shaking events have the most historical markers.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck