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

Still, for all the familiarity and the sturdy nature of the advance, some macro shifts and internal stirrings are worthy of some attention, especially as global tech stocks face a bit of a shakeout overnight Tuesday . — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026

The fintechs that came through the shakeout in good shape had already built compliance like a product, instead of bolting it on later. — Agustín Guerra, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Verb

Nevertheless, Senegal will have to wait to see how some of the other games shake out, to see if that standing is good enough to advance. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

England and Portugal could also join them depending on how the final group-stage results shake out. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 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