staggered
UK: ˈstaɡəd | US: ˈstaɡərd
adj. 1. arranged in a way that is not in line or symmetrical
adj. 2. shocked or overwhelmed, often to the point of temporary confusion
v. (past tense of stagger) 3. to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall
The root stagger likely derives from Old Norse stakra ("to push, stagger"), influenced by Middle English stakeren ("to totter"). The -ed suffix marks past tense or forms adjectives denoting a state. The modern sense of "shocked" (early 19th c.) metaphorically extends from the physical unsteadiness implied by the original verb.
The team faced staggered deadlines to manage workload efficiently.
She was staggered by the unexpected news of her promotion.
The drunk man staggered out of the bar and into the street.
The garden featured staggered rows of tulips for visual interest.
Investors were staggered by the sudden stock market crash.