dire stakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire stakes" can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey a feeling of heightened urgency, risk, or danger. For example: "With the fate of the world at stake, time is running out to stop the renegade doomsday device." Here, "dire stakes" would accurately describe the risk involved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the wildly complex interactions and interdependencies between climate and planetary life are revealing increasingly dire stakes, as global warming leads to the shriveling of biologically diverse — and carbon dioxide-absorbing — forests and wetlands, which in turn contributes to yet more warming.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

All of this would be entertaining in a Tony-Soprano-versus-the-Medici fashion, but the stakes are dire.

The New York Times

His speeches are full of dire warnings about the stakes for women on issues like federal financing for Planned Parenthood, control of the Supreme Court and protecting Roe v. Wade if a McMahon victory tips control of the Senate to the Republicans.

The New York Times

Multiple issues are at stake, including the dire economy and the Brotherhood's Islamist program.

The New York Times

The stakes are real, even dire.

The Guardian - Opinion

The game may still be "sell, sell, sell," but the stakes are even more dire.

The New York Times

The stakes, he declared, were dire - "a matter of life and death, ultimately, every American's".

The Guardian

Confronted by shape-shifting BMW bodies stuffed with unholy gadgetry, the brand's loyalists reach for the nearest wooden stake, garlic clove or, in truly dire moments, their owner's manual.

The New York Times

With Donald Trump as president and a Justice Department led by Jeff Sessions, the stakes are higher and the consequences more dire for communities of color. .

Huffington Post

Reading the harrowing accounts in the book shows that menstrual care is a right, an act of dignity, and that the current stakes for menstruating people in poverty are dire.

Vice

Black America is still far from equal with white America, a new report shows ― and with Donald Trump as president, the stakes are higher and the consequences more dire for communities of color across the country.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dire stakes" to emphasize a situation where the potential negative outcomes are catastrophic or irreversible. This phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of urgency and high consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "dire stakes" in situations where the risks are minor or easily mitigated. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire stakes" functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the high level of risk and potential negative consequences associated with a particular situation. It underscores the severity and urgency of the matter at hand.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire stakes" effectively communicates a sense of high risk and potential for severe negative consequences, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the gravity of a situation. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare, so judicious use is advised to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "critical risks" or "grave consequences" can be considered for variety. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in formal and neutral registers, provided it's not overused, which can diminish its intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-stakes situation

Highlights the importance of the situation and the potential for significant gains or losses.

grave consequences

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential long-term impact of the results.

serious implications

Underscores the far-reaching effects and importance of the outcomes.

extreme consequences

Stresses the intensity and potentially devastating nature of the outcome.

critical risks

Focuses on the severity of potential negative outcomes.

severe risks

Highlights the intensity and potential impact of negative outcomes.

grave risks

Highlights the severe and potentially life-altering nature of the risks.

significant dangers

Highlights substantial threats and potential hazards.

perilous situation

Focuses on the danger and potential for harm.

critical junctures

Focuses on points of decision where the outcomes will be pivotal.

FAQs

How can I use "dire stakes" in a sentence?

Use "dire stakes" to describe a situation with extremely serious consequences. For example: "With climate change advancing, the stakes are dire for future generations".

What are some alternatives to "dire stakes"?

You can use alternatives like "critical risks", "high-stakes situation", or "grave consequences" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dire stakes" in formal writing?

Yes, "dire stakes" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts where you need to emphasize the seriousness and potential negative outcomes of a situation. However, be mindful of overuse, as it can sound melodramatic if not used judiciously.

What kind of scenarios typically involve "dire stakes"?

"Dire stakes" are typically associated with scenarios involving potential catastrophic outcomes, such as environmental crises, political conflicts, or high-risk strategic decisions. The key element is the potential for significant and irreversible negative impacts.