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 of the answers involved first sorting out what the administration is and isn’t doing before trying to counteract it. —Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

Sirianni went to lengths this season to maintain the harmonious atmosphere between he and Hurts, spending hours during their bye week midseason chatting together and trying to sort out whatever issues there might be. —Ben Morse, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025

The class action has been on hold as the investors try to sort out who should take the lead. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025

Though fashion and apparel supply chains have always had inherent risk involved, sorting out compliance has become even more difficult for many. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 7 Feb. 2025