# stunning

/ˈstənɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈʌnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stunning
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. very beautiful

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

extremely beautiful or attractive.

For teachers: exceptionally attractive or aesthetically pleasing. Often used in informal or semi-formal contexts to express high praise.

- The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning.
- The actress made a stunning entrance in a floor-length silk gown that immediately captured the attention of every photographer in the room.

### 2. surprising

adjective · CEFR B2

very surprising or shocking.

For teachers: causing great surprise or disbelief; shocking in its intensity or unexpectedness.

- The team's stunning defeat in the final minutes left the fans in silence.
- The researchers published a stunning report revealing that the environmental damage was far more extensive than previously estimated by the government.

### 3. making someone unconscious

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

the act of making a person or animal unconscious or unable to move.

For teachers: the present participle or gerund of 'stun', referring to the act of rendering a person or animal insensible or motionless.

- The police used a device for stunning the suspect without causing permanent injury.
- The facility implemented new humane protocols for stunning livestock to ensure the animals were completely insensible before the next stage of the process.

Usage: Often used in the context of hunting, law enforcement, or food production.

### 4. the act of stunning

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the physical act of hitting or shocking someone so they cannot think or move.

For teachers: the action of rendering someone or something unconscious or dazed, typically through a physical blow or electric shock.

- The stunning of the fish is done quickly to prevent any suffering.
- Effective stunning requires precise application of force to the cranial region to ensure immediate loss of consciousness.

## Examples

- The view from the top of the mountain is stunning.
- The actress wore a stunning gold dress that captured everyone's attention on the red carpet.
- The documentary features stunning cinematography that highlights the fragile beauty of the Arctic landscape before it disappears forever.

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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.