Word
staggered
Phoneticsstag·gered, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstæɡɝd/
UK/stˈæɡəd/
Definitions
01very shocked
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. very shocked or surprised by something, usually because it is so big or unexpected.
adj. deeply astonished or taken aback by information or an event.
“I was staggered by the high price of the hotel room.”
“The board members were staggered by the scale of the financial deficit revealed during the emergency audit.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02arranged at different times
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. happening at different times rather than all at once.
adj. arranged in a series of intervals or stages to prevent overcrowding or to manage resources.
“The school has staggered start times so the hallways don't get too crowded.”
“The government implemented a staggered release of the new regulations to allow businesses sufficient time to adapt to each phase.”
Antonyms
03physically offset
C1 · Advanced Technical
adj. arranged in a way where things are not directly opposite each other or not in a straight line.
adj. positioned in an offset or zigzag pattern rather than in direct alignment.
“The bricks were laid in a staggered pattern to make the wall stronger.”
“The seating in the theatre was staggered to ensure that every guest had an unobstructed view of the stage.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“He staggered rather than sprang out of the lake but it wasn’t surprising.” “And maybe that’s a message of hope we could use this summer.”
There is a staggered global rollout for the rerelease.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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