Definition

A person or thing that moves unsteadily or with difficulty, often due to being drunk or injured.

Example

The staggerer struggled to keep his balance as he walked down the street.

Conversation

Did you see that guy at the bar last night?

Yeah, he was quite the staggerer after a few drinks!

I thought he was going to fall over at any moment!

Right? It was both funny and a little concerning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Staggerer is formed from "stagger" (from Old English *stacgan*, meaning to sway or totter) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A staggerer is a person who sways or totters, often unsteadily.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'sways' ('stagger') and the '-er' just means a person. A staggerer is someone who sways or moves unsteadily.

Visually Confused Words