staggering
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very shocking or surprising because it is so large or extreme.
adj.deeply shocking, astonishing, or overwhelming, typically in reference to a quantity, cost, or achievement.
Simple“The cost of repairing the old bridge was a staggering five million dollars.”
In context“The company reported a staggering loss in the third quarter, far exceeding the pessimistic predictions of most market analysts.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.walking or moving as if you are about to fall over.
adj.moving or walking unsteadily, as if unable to maintain balance.
Simple“The staggering man tried to hold onto the wall to keep his balance.”
In context“He made a staggering exit from the room, his physical exhaustion evident in every heavy, uncertain step.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.the act of arranging things so they happen at different times rather than all at once.
n.the arrangement of events, shifts, or actions so that they occur at different intervals rather than simultaneously.
Simple“The staggering of work hours helped reduce the number of people in the office at one time.”
In context“A careful staggering of the project phases ensured that the specialized equipment was never sitting idle between tasks.”
UsageOften used in business or project management contexts.
“And the scale of what is being taught can feel staggering.”
“As his critics online have pointed out, £5m raised for charity would be a staggering amount for someone who is not already famous.”