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

But private equity firms risk cannibalizing their own businesses and accelerating the software-as-a-service, or SaaS, shakeout that’s already underway. —Deirdre Bosa,jasmine Wu, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

The runners met for the first time during race weekend, bonding through shakeout runs and shared training stories. —Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

Verb

The main talk with spring ball is new quarterback Darian Mensah, but intrigue abounds with how Miami’s offensive line will shake out, the receiving corps’ depth and who steps up on defense. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Police shook out his clothing and found a single rifle casing. —Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 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