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 head of India’s biggest quick commerce player says the sector is hurtling toward a shakeout as rivals’ cash dries up, but that his startup will thrive — and continue its expansion. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 Dec. 2025

Bloomberg | Getty Images Private equity fund managers are bracing for a wave of consolidation as investors demand higher returns and stronger governance, forcing a shakeout in an overcrowded industry, several industry veterans said at a high-level finance summit in Hong Kong on Tuesday. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025

Verb

Read below to see how the rest of the games shook out. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

But in rap, where what looks like friendship can shake out to be performative business synergy, Drake and Savage seem to genuinely and fiercely respect one another. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025

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