Word
staggering
Phoneticsstag·ger·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstæɡɝˌɪŋ/
UK/stˈæɡəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01shocking or impressive
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.
“The cost of repairing the old bridge was a staggering five million dollars.”
“The company reported a staggering loss in the third quarter, far exceeding the pessimistic predictions of most market analysts.”
Synonyms
02walking unsteadily
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. walking or moving as if you are about to fall over.
adj. moving or walking unsteadily, as if unable to maintain balance.
“The staggering man tried to hold onto the wall to keep his balance.”
“He made a staggering exit from the room, his physical exhaustion evident in every heavy, uncertain step.”
03spacing things out
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
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.
“The staggering of work hours helped reduce the number of people in the office at one time.”
“A careful staggering of the project phases ensured that the specialized equipment was never sitting idle between tasks.”
Usage
Often used in business or project management contexts.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“As his critics online have pointed out, £5m raised for charity would be a staggering amount for someone who is not already famous.” “And the scale of what is being taught can feel staggering.” - 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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