sort out

1 of 2

phrasal 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

Phrasal verb

That is best sorted out with candor and in private with their own counsel, wise in the ways of whistleblower protections. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025

The executive order remains blocked for at least 30 days, giving lower courts and the parties time to sort out the next steps. —Tim Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

The Hidden Cost Of IVR Failures Imagine a loyal customer calling in to sort out a billing issue. —Liam Dunne, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Now Ahuja has a succession saga to sort out himself — at Sony’s film studio. —Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025

Rhymes for sort out

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