Definition

Noun: 1. An act of betrayal or abandonment of one's principles, loyalties, or cause, typically for personal gain or popularity: A "sellout" describes a situation where a person or group compromises their integrity, original ideals, or allegiance for money, success, or acceptance. 2. An event for which all tickets are sold: In commerce, a "sellout" refers to a performance, game, or show where every available seat has been purchased.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Betrayal):

  • Many fans accused the band of being a sellout after they licensed their song for a commercial.
  • He was called a sellout by his colleagues for accepting a management position with the rival firm.
  • The politician's change in policy was seen as a complete sellout to corporate interests.

• Noun (Sold-out event):

  • The concert was a sellout weeks before the show date.
  • We're expecting a sellout for the championship game.

Advanced Usage

• "to sell out" (phrasal verb): The action from which the noun "sellout" is derived. It means to betray one's principles or to have all items (like tickets) purchased.
  • Critics said the artist sold out when she started designing for a fast-fashion brand.
  • The new video game sold out within hours of its release.

Variants and Related Words

• Sell out (verb phrase): To dispose of (goods) completely by selling; to betray.
• Sold-out (adjective): Describing an event with no tickets left or goods with no stock remaining.
  • a sold-out stadium; a sold-out product line.

Synonyms

• Betrayal
• Traitor (for a person)
• Compromise (of principles)
• Sell-off (commercial context)

Antonyms

• Purist
• Ideologue
• Loyalist
• Unsold event (commercial context)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Sell your soul": To compromise one's principles for a great reward, often used interchangeably with "sell out" in a moral context.
  • He felt like he had sold his soul for the high-paying job.

Noun

1. an act of betrayal