shakeout

1 of 2

noun

shake·​out ˈshāk-ˌau̇t 

1

: the failure or retrenchment of a significant number of firms in the economy or a sector or an industry that usually results in a depressed market

2

: a period or process in which the relatively weak or unessential are eliminated

shake out

2 of 2

verb

shook out; shaken out; shaking out; shakes out

intransitive verb

: to prove to be in the end : turn out

wait to see how things shake out

Synonyms of shakeout

Verb

• prove
• fall out

Examples of shakeout in a Sentence

Verb

after hearing about all the elaborate planning, I can't wait to see how that wedding shakes out

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The reflex sell-off after Wednesday's Federal Reserve rate hike gave the S&P 500 a momentary test of 7500, which proved a timely shakeout. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

The layoffs, focused on wine screw cap operations, underscore a statewide shakeout driven by declining demand, rising costs and an oversupply of grapes that is forcing wineries to close and cut jobs. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Verb

Leaving no pizza stone unturned, the results usually shake out as a healthy mix of the usual suspects and the odd dark horse, with the number one spot on the 2026 list snatched by a first-time world champion in West London. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026

For Asian-run groups, the business of mahjong shakes out a little differently. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shakeout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout