shakeout

[ sheyk-out ]

noun

1. an elimination or winnowing out of some competing businesses, products, etc., as a result of intense competition in a market of declining sales or rising standards of quality.
2. a rapid decline in the values of certain securities sold in stock exchanges or the like.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shakeout¹

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase shake out

Example Sentences

Xiaomi, founded in 2010, is entering an overcrowded market that analysts expect will undergo a shakeout in coming years, with weaker startups falling by the wayside.

From Seattle Times

That has caused a shakeout in the industry.

From New York Times

A shakeout in the industry may eventually prove to be cathartic.

From Reuters

Evan Lucas, an associate professor of construction management at Northern Michigan University who teaches students about proper infrastructure design for indoor farms, said he’s not concerned about the shakeout underway.

From Seattle Times

Some investors argue the shakeout could ultimately make the market for clean tech more stable, as the system is strengthened to avoid another collapse.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• cataclysm
• catastrophe
• disaster
• disorder
• disruption
• disturbance
• eruption
• explosion
• ferment
• outbreak
• revolution
• temblor
• tremor
• tumult
• turmoil