sell out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “sell out” mean?
To sell all available items of a product, or to abandon one's principles for personal gain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To sell all available items of a product, or to abandon one's principles for personal gain.
To completely sell all tickets for an event; to betray one's ideals, values, or artistic integrity for commercial success or popularity; to liquidate all assets of a business.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use both meanings identically. The adjective/noun 'sell-out' is slightly more common in US media discourse about compromised ideals.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation for the betrayal meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
The commercial meaning ('The concert sold out') is equally frequent. The ethical betrayal meaning is common in political and cultural commentary in both.
Grammar
How to Use “sell out” in a Sentence
[Event/Product] sells out (intransitive)sell out [of] [product] (transitive)sell out [to] [company/person] (betrayal)be sold out (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sell out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new album sold out in just two days.
- Fans were furious when the band sold out to a major corporation.
American English
- The sneakers sold out online in minutes.
- He sold out his principles for a seat on the board.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to inventory depletion or a successful product launch with no stock remaining.
Academic
Used in cultural studies to discuss artists compromising artistic integrity for market appeal.
Everyday
Common for talking about ticket sales or expressing disappointment in someone's changed principles.
Technical
In finance, can refer to liquidating a position in an asset.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sell out”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sell out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sell out”
- Using 'sell out' transitively without 'of' (Wrong: 'They sold out all tickets.' Correct: 'They sold out of all tickets.' or 'All tickets sold out.'). Confusing 'sell out' (betrayal) with 'sell off' (liquidate assets).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, it is two words: 'sell out'. As a noun or adjective, it is hyphenated: 'sell-out' (e.g., a sell-out, a sell-out crowd).
Yes, in its commercial sense. A 'sell-out show' is positive for the organisers, indicating high demand and success.
'Sell out' means to dispose of all stock. 'Sell off' means to sell assets, often quickly and at a low price, like during a company liquidation.
For the commercial meaning: 'The tickets were sold out.' For the betrayal meaning, it's less common but possible: 'He felt sold out by his former ally.'
To sell all available items of a product, or to abandon one's principles for personal gain.
Sell out is usually informal to neutral in register.
Sell out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsel ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛl ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sell your soul (for)”
- “go commercial”
- “cash in on”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a shop with a big 'SOLD OUT' sign on the door (commercial meaning). Then imagine an artist painting over their unique mural to paint a popular brand logo (betrayal meaning).
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINCIPLES ARE A COMMODITY / SUCCESS IS A LIMITED RESOURCE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'sell out' in its commercial sense?