Word
stakes
US/ˈsteɪks/
UK/stˈeɪks/
Definitions
01risks and rewards
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the things you can win or lose in a situation, such as your reputation or money.
n. the potential rewards or risks involved in an action or competition, often used to describe the importance of an outcome.
“The stakes are high in this election because the new laws will affect everyone.”
“With the company on the brink of bankruptcy, the stakes for the upcoming merger negotiations could not be higher for the employees.”
Synonyms
02gambling money
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the money that people bet in a game or a race.
n. the sum of money or property risked on the outcome of a contest or game of chance.
“They were playing poker for very small stakes, just for fun.”
“Professional gamblers often prefer tables with high stakes to ensure the potential payout justifies the significant financial risk involved.”
Real-World Examples
“But when you’re trapped in a metal tube in the sky with no possibility of medical attention, the stakes feel much higher.” “There is something pleasing about a family saga being continued by the author’s own family – but the stakes are, perhaps, even higher.” Idioms
01. pull up stakes
02. raise the stakes
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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