Reeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'reeling' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a verb and means to feel unsteady or dizzy, often as a result of a shock or surprise. It can also refer to a physical sensation of spinning or swaying. Example: After receiving the news of her mother's illness, Sarah was left reeling, struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Jean Touitou of APC on why unsexy, understated fashion feels fresh Two weeks later, and in London to open a new store in Soho, Touitou is still reeling from what happened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.29pm BST14:29 A first push from the peloton – and it's BMC who lead the charge, reeling the breakaway into within 1min 30sec as Côte de Greetland looms.

The Guardian - Sport

It was as if she herself had read Molly Bloom's soliloquy in Ulysses in a past life and was still reeling from the bawdiness of it.

The Guardian - Books

Already reeling from savage cuts to 1223 ABC Newcastle after the Coalition's $250m budget cut last year, Newcastle residents took the latest slight to their hometown boy badly – and expressed their outrage on social media on Friday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

The football world may still be reeling from the fall of its chief, its head, its guiding light in the dark night, as we all contemplate what life will be like without Sepp Blatter's steady hand at our tiller, but some things are constant.

The Guardian - Sport

Alessandro Petacchi, still reeling from that bee altercation, is also off the back, while Saxo-Tinkoff's Nick Roche is also fighting to stay in touch.

The Guardian - Sport

There are still a few around who remember those days when what happened at Westminster actually mattered, when the fate of Britain depended on a vote, and the prospect of a parliamentary defeat sent the pound plummeting and economies across the world reeling.

The Guardian

But he is less the bear with a sore head type than the verbal fencing champion, who leaves his opponents reeling before they've even realised they were on the receiving end of his rapier remarks.

The Guardian

Atlético centre back Miranda put the ball into his own net in the sixth minute, André Gomes finished superbly after a fine run a minute later and Nicolás Otamendi nodded in at a corner to leave the champions reeling.

The Guardian - Sport

And on the radio, Archers' listeners are still reeling from the demise of Nigel Pargetter, who fell to his death from the roof of his stately home.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chancellor started by reeling off reasons for a new economic plan – growth halved, borrowing up, and no more progress on the deficit until 2014 – and then offered up more of the same old failed economic policies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reeling" to vividly describe a state of shock, surprise, or instability, adding impact to your writing. For example, "The market was reeling after the unexpected announcement."

Common error

Avoid using "reeling" simply to describe a physical spinning motion. While it can imply dizziness, its primary connotation involves a sense of being overwhelmed or destabilized by an event or news. Instead of just saying "The room was reeling", consider something like "After the argument, her thoughts were reeling."

Linguistic Context

The word "reeling" functions primarily as a verb, often in its present participle form (reeling) to describe a continuous state of shock, unsteadiness, or being overwhelmed. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent use to depict reactions to unexpected or destabilizing events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Sport

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "reeling" is a versatile verb typically used to describe a state of shock, instability, or being overwhelmed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical status and widespread usage. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, often depicting reactions to unexpected events or crises. While suitable for neutral registers, it's essential to avoid misusing it as a direct synonym for "spinning", as "reeling" carries a stronger connotation of emotional or mental destabilization. Remember to use alternatives such as "staggering" or "dazed" to diversify your writing and ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reeling from the impact

More explicitly describes the experience of being negatively impacted by something.

Thrown off balance

Implies a disruption of stability or equilibrium.

Dazed

Indicates a state of confusion or bewilderment, often after a blow or surprise.

Bewildered

Suggests a state of being perplexed or confused by something unexpected.

Disoriented

Signifies a loss of awareness of time, place, or identity.

Staggering

Refers to a loss of balance or coordination, often due to shock or intoxication.

In shock

Denotes a state of emotional or physical distress following a traumatic event.

Stumbling

Implies a difficulty in maintaining balance, whether physically or metaphorically.

Struggling to recover

Focuses on the difficulty of regaining stability after a setback.

Spinning

Describes a sensation of rotation, often used metaphorically for feeling overwhelmed.

FAQs

How can I use "reeling" in a sentence?

"Reeling" is often used to describe a state of being shocked or overwhelmed. For instance, "The company was "reeling from" the scandal" or "He was "left reeling" after the news."

What are some synonyms for "reeling"?

Alternatives to "reeling" include "staggering", "dazed", or "bewildered". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "reeling" from happiness?

While less common, you can use "reeling" to describe being overwhelmed by positive emotions, although it's typically used for negative experiences. A phrase like "reeling with joy" is acceptable but consider alternatives like "overjoyed" or "elated" for clarity.

What does it mean when someone says they are "reeling off" information?

To "reel off" information means to recite or list it quickly and effortlessly, often from memory. This usage is different from being "reeling" due to shock or surprise.