Meaning of Shocking
that offends or upsets people; that is morally wrong
In simple words: Very surprising or upsetting.
Shocking in a sentence
- shocking behaviour
- shocking news
- It is shocking that they involved children in the crime.
- a shocking waste of money
- a deeply shocking and painful discovery
- Today we reveal the shocking truth about heroin addiction among the young.
- The house was left in a shocking state.
How to use Shocking
Use 'shocking' to describe something that causes strong emotions. More common in neutral contexts; avoid overuse in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of a 'shock' like a sudden jolt, like when you touch a battery.
Related words
Synonyms for Shocking
- astonishing
- astonishing
- startling
- appalling
- stunning
Opposites of Shocking
Common mistakes with Shocking
- Confused with 'shocked' which describes a feeling.
- Used interchangeably with 'surprising', ignoring emotional weight.
- Misused in contexts that are not serious enough.
Shocking appears in
Shocking in other languages
More words like Shocking
- Astonishing
- Stunning
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
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Frequently asked questions about Shocking
What does Shocking mean?
Very surprising or upsetting.
What is the definition of Shocking?
that offends or upsets people; that is morally wrong
How do you use Shocking in a sentence?
shocking behaviour
Can you give another example of Shocking?
shocking news
What are synonyms for Shocking?
Common alternatives include astonishing, astonishing, startling, appalling, stunning.
What is the opposite of Shocking?
Opposite meanings include expected, predictable, normal.
What words go with Shocking?
It commonly pairs with be, seem, sound, extremely, fairly, very, to.
What are common mistakes when using Shocking?
Confused with 'shocked' which describes a feeling. Used interchangeably with 'surprising', ignoring emotional weight. Misused in contexts that are not serious enough.
How do you pronounce Shocking?
US: /["/ˈʃɑːkɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈʃɒkɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Shocking?
Use 'shocking' to describe something that causes strong emotions. More common in neutral contexts; avoid overuse in casual conversations.
What CEFR level is Shocking?
"Shocking" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.







