What does staggeringly mean?
Staggeringly is an adverb meaning to an astonishing degree, especially when the degree is conveyed by a striking number, scale, beauty, success, or complexity. It is closely associated with the adjective staggering, which means so remarkable that it startles or overwhelms the viewer. Typical uses include descriptions such as “staggeringly large” or “staggeringly beautiful,” and the word often appears in journalism, criticism, and promotional writing. Its force comes from the older physical idea of staggering: something so overwhelming that it leaves a person reeling. The adverb can therefore suggest awe, disbelief, or even exaggeration, rather than mere surprise. It is widely used in standard British and American English, is more emphatic than amazingly or remarkably, and is particularly effective when the details it describes are genuinely extreme.
adverbTo an astonishing degree, especially because of the size, scale, beauty, success, or complexity of something.
- To an astonishing or overwhelming degree.
"The restoration revealed a staggeringly complex system of arches and aqueducts."
"The novel contains a staggeringly intricate account of life in the imperial court."
"Attendance at the festival was staggeringly high despite the terrible weather."
Some numbers make you doubt your eyes. Staggeringly is the word for saying they are enormous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does staggeringly come from?
Staggeringly was formed by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective staggering. Stagger descends through Middle English from forms related to Old English stacian and Old Norse stagger, both associated with moving unsteadily, trembling, or reeling. Its figurative sense of causing shock or astonishment, followed by the modern use for an astonishing extent, underlies the adverb's present emphatic force.
Related word forms
How staggeringly is actually used
Common in journalism, criticism, and promotional writing. It usually conveys awe, disbelief, or emphasis and may suggest exaggeration when the subject is not genuinely exceptional.
Easily confused with staggeringly
Staggering is an adjective or participle, as in “a staggering achievement,” whereas staggeringly is the adverb, as in “a staggeringly complex achievement.”