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

In the coming weeks, Mason and co-counselors Matt Smid and Mark Daniel will come together to sort out what could’ve gone better with their defense strategy during this trial, Mason said. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Read closely, that's a warning about what happens when agents get access and authority before anyone has sorted out who's accountable. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Interim orders are usually sorted out administratively before a final order is issued, Fox said. — Arkansas Online, 29 June 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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