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

One key cog to race day is pacers and pacing groups, which Barden sorts out in January, once the competitors are confirmed. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Defensive end will be interesting to sort out, as Woodfork will have plenty of competition to stave off to make the rotation. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026

If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers. —Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026

My mother wanted to sort out the matter of Lateef’s wife first. —Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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