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

Leaders said the pause is meant to give them time to sort out the new law and determine how to continue services. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Midway through recording, a debate broke out as the team tried to sort out the proper tone for one of Russell’s lines. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

And there’s always the risk of confusion about authority, said Cole, who has been called in to sort out situations after a co-leadership structure has gone to pot. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025

So getting that sorted out is your job. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for sort out

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