sort out

1 of 2

verb

sorted out; sorting out; sorts out

1

: to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking

I'm trying to sort out a way to do it.

2

: to find an answer or solution for (something)

He's still trying to sort out his problems.

We need to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.

They couldn't come up with a solution and decided to wait to see whether problem sorted itself out.

3

: to solve the problems of (someone)

They're still trying to sort their son out.

I just need a little more time to sort myself out.

4

British, informal : to deal in a forceful way with (someone who is causing problems)

I told my brother they were bullying me, and he promised to sort them out (for me).

sort-out

2 of 2

noun

British

: an activity in which someone makes a room, closet, etc., neat and organized

Let's have a sort-out of the attic.

Examples of sort out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Florida’s main priority for the rest of the offseason is sorting out its goaltending situation. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026

Josh Metellus, a natural safety, has wound up as more of a hybrid linebacker in recent years as another example of putting the talent on the field first and then sorting out the positions second. —CBS News, 19 June 2026

Sacramento County climate programs could face funding uncertainty as state officials sort out how Cap-and-Invest changes will affect revenue that supports local air quality, housing and transportation projects. —Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026

Deadline sat down this week with industry leaders on a panel at Deadline x Regal Future of Storytelling for the Big Screen to sort out the state of the business. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Rhymes for sort out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout