What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shutout
Example
The goalkeeper had a shutout, preventing the opposing team from scoring any goals. [shutout: noun]
Example
She felt like she was experiencing a shutout from her coworkers, who excluded her from important meetings. [shutout: metaphorical use as a noun]
Example
The company's new product launch was a shutout success, with no competitors able to match its quality or popularity. [shutout: adjective]
rout
Example
The home team suffered a humiliating rout, losing by a score of 10-0. [rout: noun]
Example
After the concert ended, there was a chaotic rout as everyone tried to leave at once. [rout: noun]
Example
The politician was routed in the election, losing by a large margin and conceding defeat early on. [routed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rout is more commonly used than shutout in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts. However, shutout is more common in sports-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shutout and rout?
Both shutout and rout are relatively informal words, but shutout may be slightly more formal due to its use in sports and competition contexts.
