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

Even if de minimis entry soon dissipates on goods inbound from countries across the globe, goods coming from India may see lower duty rates than products coming from other countries once the Trump administration sorts out tariff rates this summer. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025

The first qualifying session for this weekend's race took place earlier today, sorting out the 15 fastest Hypercars that will compete later this week to see who leads the pack to the start line on Saturday. —ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025

After returning to Washington in December, Sumner met with Lincoln almost daily at the White House to sort out the trouble. —Zaakir Tameez june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

Courts will eventually sort out the legality of our firings, but in the meantime, critical services are paused, and trust in government health information is eroded. —Bushraa Khatib, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2025

Rhymes for sort out

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