enjeux

Enjeux is a French noun, masculine, used predominantly in the plural form les enjeux to denote the stakes, issues, or challenges involved in a situation. The singular form is un enjeu and refers to a single stake or issue. In everyday and formal registers, enjeux covers both the conceptual stakes and the substantive issues that decisions must address.

Etymology: The term derives from Old French jeu meaning game, with the prefix en- indicating putting into play or engagement. The figurative shift from a game to what is at stake emerged in medieval and modern usage, giving the word its current sense of what matters in a given context.

Usage: The term is common in political, economic, corporate, and academic discourse. It is often used to describe what matters most in a context, such as les enjeux économiques (economic stakes) or les enjeux politiques (political stakes). It can refer to goals, risks, or consequences and is frequently paired with adjectives such as économiques, politiques, stratégiques, environnementaux, sociaux. Phrases like mettre en évidence les enjeux or saisir les enjeux are typical.

See also: enjeu (singular). In practice, the plural is used when discussing multiple factors or considerations, while the singular highlights a particular stake or issue within a broader context.