Definition

Adjective: 1. Completely sold in advance: Describing an event, performance, or item for which all tickets or available units have been purchased before it begins or becomes generally available. 2. Corrupt, having accepted bribes: Describing a person, especially a public official, who has been compromised by accepting money or favors in exchange for dishonest actions or influence. (This meaning is less common and often used in a figurative, critical sense.)

Usage and Examples

• The sold-out concert was a huge success for the band.
• Due to high demand, the new video game console was sold-out within minutes of its online release.
• (Figurative/Critical) The journalist accused the mayor of being a sold-out politician who cared more for corporate donors than the public.

Advanced Usage

• The term is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a sold-out show). It can be used without a hyphen when it follows a linking verb (e.g., The show is sold out).
• The figurative meaning implies a betrayal of principles or duty for personal gain, similar to being "bought."

Variants and Related Words

• Sell out (verb phrase): To sell all of the available items or tickets. It can also mean to betray one's principles for personal gain.
  • The theater expects to sell out by Friday.
  • Many fans felt the band sold out when they licensed their song for a commercial.
• Sellout (noun): An event for which all tickets are sold, or a person who betrays a cause or principle for personal advancement.
  • The game was a total sellout.
  • He was called a sellout for supporting the policy.

Synonyms

• For "completely sold": fully booked, out of stock, unavailable.
• For "corrupt": bribed, compromised, corrupt, venal.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be sold out: This is the common phrasal verb form from which the adjective derives.
  • I wanted tickets, but they were already sold out.
• Sold-out crowd/audience: A common collocation emphasizing that every seat is filled.
  • The comedian performed for a sold-out crowd at the stadium.

Adjective

1. sold completely in advance
   • had a sold-out house for both performances
2. having taken a bribe or bribes
   • a sold-out politician