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Definition of staggering

staggering

/ˈstæɡ.ər.ɪŋ/
stag · ger · ing
Adverb:staggeringly
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staggering Lexical Profile

staggering Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Deeply shocking, astonishing, or overwhelming because of its immense size, degree, or unexpected nature.

Example

"The scientific expedition uncovered a staggering variety of previously unknown marine species."

2

Walking or moving unsteadily, as if about to fall.

Example

"The exhausted marathon runner crossed the finish line with a slow, staggering gait."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for staggering
Antonyms
View all antonyms for staggering

• Rhymes for staggering

• Nearby Words

stagflation
stagger
staggered
staggering
staggeringly
staghorn fern
staghorn sumac

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb stagger, altered from Middle English stakeren, which was borrowed from Old Norse stakra ('to push' or 'to totter').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Staggering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/staggering
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