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

The bug must be sorted out, to keep the state within the bounds of constitutionally acceptable cruelty. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2026

The clock is ticking, and companies are sorting out how best to comply. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Complications still have to be sorted out However, there are kinks to work out. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

But the slate of games Sunday sorted out the rest of the postseason bracket. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for sort out

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