# startling

/ˈstɑɹtɫɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɑːtlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/startling
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. surprising or shocking

adjective · CEFR B2

very surprising, unusual, or sudden in a way that gets your attention immediately.

For teachers: causing a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm; highly remarkable or unexpected.

- The report revealed a startling increase in the cost of living this year.
- The researchers uncovered a startling correlation between sleep deprivation and long-term cognitive decline that had previously been overlooked.

### 2. a sudden shock

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a sudden movement or feeling of surprise.

For teachers: the act of startling or the state of being startled; a sudden involuntary movement caused by surprise.

- The loud bang gave her a sudden startling that made her drop her glass.
- He awoke with a violent startling, his heart racing as the echoes of the dream faded into the quiet room.

## Examples

- The news of his sudden resignation was startling.
- Researchers discovered a startling connection between the two rare diseases that had previously gone unnoticed.
- The report revealed a startling discrepancy between the projected budget and the actual expenditure, prompting an immediate internal audit of the department's financial records.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.