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

Some minor details of the agreement are still to be sorted out, the official said. —Ashley Carnahan , Jennifer Griffin, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025

So my big beef at the moment is, yes, thank God, maybe there’s peace, after more things are sorted out. —Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Nov. 2025

There are a few delicate, but not insurmountable, details that must be sorted out and will require further talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. —Camilla Schick, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

Then the computers would have to sort out the mess of teams tied behind the Aztecs in the standings. —Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for sort out

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