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

An applicant first petitions a state court to sort out their guardianship. — Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

The ultimate makeup of the next Congress could also have consequences for muni investors as lawmakers sort out their priorities. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

The two university president offices communicated with the Vatican to sort out details. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Wall Street is getting more cautious, attempting to sort out which companies are spending rationally, how those outlays are impacting other parts of their business, and who will actually benefit from AI’s transformative impact on society. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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