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

Thomas Morrison, who is working on new vaccines and antiviral treatments on the Anschutz campus, said his department paused hiring while leaders sort out whether the NIH will continue funding their work. —Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025

These create all manner of tax problems, which are a massive headache to sort out. —Brian Dunhill, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

The two sides ultimately sorted out their issues and last summer agreed to settle for $2.75 million from Anaheim to the Angels and the team would no longer object to the fire station’s construction. —Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025

But all of that will be sorted out over the weekend. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for sort out

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