shocking

adjective

shock·​ing ˈshä-kiŋ How to pronounce shocking (audio)
: extremely startling, distressing, or offensive
shocking news
shockingly adverb

Examples of shocking in a Sentence

The number of young teenagers who smoke is shocking. a shocking waste of money The building is in a shocking state.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This outcome was always a possibility for the Red Sox, but what is truly shocking is the lack of urgency and effort from the Boston front office. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Amid his season of highs, Scheffler was also at the center of the most shocking day in golf major championship history when he was arrested and booked in a Louisville, Ky. jail over a traffic miscommunication at the PGA Championship. Jenna West, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024 The shocking killing led to a multi-day manhunt, which concluded when Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania and subsequently charged with murder by authorities in New York. Liam Quinn, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The shocking courtroom assault took place during a sentencing hearing presided by District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shocking 

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shocking was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near shocking

Cite this Entry

“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shocking. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shocking

adjective
shock·​ing
: causing horror or disgust
a shocking crime
shocking behavior
shockingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on shocking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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