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

Simple and solution-oriented, Mercury in Virgo is an excellent time to sort out the details, whether that’s organizing your schedule or gathering important information that can be helpful in the long run. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Because the metro spans two states with very different liability laws, where your crash happened can shape how fault gets sorted out. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

One sibling has since fired the other five siblings from their jobs and the group has gone to court once to sort out differences. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said the staff hopes to have the starting five sorted out by next week. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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