1 B2 neutral
For a retailer or warehouse to have no remaining supply of a particular product.
"The popular toy stocked out within hours of the holiday sale beginning."
inseparable
stock out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To exhaust the supply of a product so that no stock remains; commonly used in retail and supply-chain contexts.
In plain English
When a shop or warehouse has no more of a product left to sell.
What does "stock out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To exhaust the stock completely.
Actually means
When a shop or warehouse has no more of a product left to sell.
Usage tip
Primarily used in business, retail, and logistics contexts. 'Stock out' is also a noun/compound ('a stockout'). More technical than 'run out' or 'sell out.' Common in American retail English.
Words that pair with "stock out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
product item shelf inventory supply demand
How to conjugate "stock out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stock out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stocks out
he/she/it
Past simple
stocked out
yesterday
Past participle
stocked out
have + pp
-ing form
stocking out
continuous
Hear "stock out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stock out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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