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

Scientists are still sorting out how strong the shift will be. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 May 2026

But Paul said her recusal order would be stayed while the parties sort out downstream issues including whether the AG’s office will appeal her decision. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

And those numbers, combined with Spoelstra’s love/hate relationship with the Adebayo/Ware tandem and his appreciation for undersized lineups, has created difficult questions that must be sorted out during a crossroads offseason for the Heat. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026

Be sure to sort out your priorities at this time. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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