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

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

But at the shakeout, shares still closed about 37% higher on the day, on trading volumes of over 184 million shares, almost 17 times more than the average over the past 30 days. —Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025

For investors, developers, and tenants, the message is clear: The forthcoming shakeout from America’s return to office will create distinct winners and losers, with the South leading the way into recovery. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025

Verb

Here’s what to know about how the rankings shake out. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025

However, injuries have started to iron out some questions regarding how the quarterback battle might shake out. Injuries to Pickett and Gabriel led to Sanders starting the first preseason game. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 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