In jeopardy of being won or lost, or in the process of being determined as a positive or negative outcome. My presentation needs to go perfectly—the big promotion is at stake.Our dream house is at stake here, so we need write the best possible offer.
Fig. ready to be won or lost; at risk; hanging in the balance. That's a very risky investment. How much money is at stake?I have everything at stake on this wager.
At risk to be won or lost, as in We have a great deal at stake in this transaction. This phrase uses stake in the sense of something that is wagered. Shakespeare used it in Troilus and Cressida (3:3): "I see my reputation is at stake." [Late 1500s]