The meaning of SHOCKING is extremely startling, distressing, or offensive. How to use shocking in a sentence.

SHOCKING definition: causing intense surprise, disgust, horror, etc. See examples of shocking used in a sentence.

SHOCKING definition: 1. offensive, upsetting, or immoral: 2. extremely bad or unpleasant, or of very low quality: 3…. Learn more.

You can say that something is shocking if you think that it is morally wrong. It is shocking that nothing was said. This was a shocking invasion of privacy.

Define shocking. shocking synonyms, shocking pronunciation, shocking translation, English dictionary definition of shocking. adj. 1. Highly disturbing emotionally.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: shocking /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/ adj causing shock, horror, or disgust shocking pink ⇒ a vivid or garish shade of pink informal very bad or terrible: …

Definition of shocking adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 21, 2025 · Definitions of shocking adjective giving offense to moral sensibilities and injurious to reputation “the most shocking book of its time” synonyms: disgraceful, scandalous, shameful immoral …

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word shocking, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Causing a shock of indignation, disgust, distress, or horror; extremely offensive, painful, or repugnant. Synonyms Wicked, Scandalous, etc. (see atrocious), frightful, dreadful, terrible, revolting, …