shakeout

1 of 2

noun

shake·​out ˈshāk-ˌau̇t How to pronounce shakeout (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The post-Hollywood strikes shakeout seems to be stabilizing. Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025 Between the lines: The study comes as major pharmacy chains including Walgreens and CVS continue to go through painful shakeouts. Tina Reed, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
Here's how the staff expects this game to shake out. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 The playoff picture Here’s how things currently shake out. Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shakeout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shakeout was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near shakeout

Cite this Entry

“Shakeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shakeout. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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