staggering

Meaning 1

To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.

Examples

• The injured soldier had to stagger back to the barracks.
• She staggered out of the bar, unable to walk straight.

Meaning 2: Surprise or Shock

To cause someone to be shocked or surprised.

Examples

• The news of the company's bankruptcy staggered the employees.
• She was staggered by the sheer amount of work she had to do.

Meaning 3: Scheduling

To arrange for things to happen at different times.

Examples

• We decided to stagger the deliveries to avoid congestion.
• The company staggered the start times for its employees.

Pronunciation: /ˈstæɡər/

How to Use staggering

stagger back (phrasal verb)

To move backward unsteadily. — "He staggered back in surprise when he saw the ghost."

stagger under (prepositional phrase)

To move unsteadily because of a heavy weight or burden. — "The porter staggered under the weight of the luggage."

staggered by (prepositional phrase)

To be shocked or surprised by something. — "They were staggered by the unexpected results."