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

That's something that has to be sorted out before the vote. — CBS News, 28 June 2026

The Lakers have more moving parts to sort out next week, most importantly, LeBron James. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026

Thirty minutes after gates were meant to open to the free event, small crowds were still waiting outside security entrances as organizers sorted out power outages and moved the last of the construction material out of view. — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 26 June 2026

That’s for Carbery and his staff to sort out. — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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