Stagger

To stagger means to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall. This can be due to physical weakness, intoxication, emotional distress, or an overwhelming experience. It can also refer to the arrangement of things in a way that they do not align directly, such as a series of objects placed in a zig-zag pattern. Furthermore, it can signify a planned delay or the scheduling of something to avoid overload or conflict. Metaphorically, it can describe a process that unfolds or events that occur over time, often at intervals.

Stagger meaning with examples

• Exhausted from the marathon, the runner began to stagger across the finish line, each step a monumental effort. His legs felt like jelly. He was so close, but his body was failing him. It was an incredible display of grit. Despite the pain, he had to complete the race.
• After the shocking news, she could only stagger backward, her face pale with disbelief and her eyes wide with fear. The weight of the revelation hit her hard. She needed support, a shoulder to lean on as she tried to process it all. This tragedy left her emotionally crippled.
• The workers decided to stagger their breaks throughout the day to ensure the factory continued to operate without significant downtime. It was an effective strategy. They kept the business running smoothly. This allowed them to maintain productivity and avoid production loss.
• The artist chose to stagger the windows on the building's facade, creating a dynamic and visually interesting design, in order to prevent them from being too uniform. The staggered look added depth. The unique placement added visual appeal. The pattern was so well designed.
• The economic recovery has been slow and unpredictable, with growth often seeming to stagger before a further advance. There have been rises and falls. Some things seem to be in a slow motion. This is a gradual recovery from economic collapse.