stakes
word · lemma: stake
Definition
'Stakes' can mean the money or things you risk in a bet or competition, or refer to wooden or metal posts stuck in the ground. It's often used more generally for anything that could be won or lost in an important situation.
Usage & Nuances
In gambling or games, 'the stakes' are what you can win or lose ('high stakes', 'raise the stakes'). In business or life, it means what is at risk or reward. As a noun for posts, used in gardening or fencing. Avoid confusing the betting sense with the physical post.
Example Sentences
If you fail, the stakes could be your whole career.
natural
We need to raise the stakes to keep everyone motivated.
natural
Those metal stakes will hold the fence in place during strong winds.
natural
The stakes are high in this game.
basic
They hammered stakes into the ground for the tent.
basic
What are the stakes in this competition?
basic