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

Seigler scored Boston's only run in a 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays on a chaotic double play that resulted in a 17-minute delay as umpires sorted out the whole thing. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Still, some position battles remain and the games, along with training camp at Missouri Western, will help sort out the order. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026

Preseason could sort out some of that muddiness and lead to one of those backs departing. — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Don't worry though, it will all get sorted out and cooler heads will prevail. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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