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

For now, the Rays just need to sort out a deal with Mother Nature. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The pressure to meet everyone’s expectations is strong, so be sure to sort out your priorities. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

So much was thoroughly sorted out design-wise by 1943 (when the 1579 was launched) that many consider that decade the golden era of wristwatches, and rightly so. —Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024

In a saga that spans nearly a century, four generations of Filipino-American boys and men sort out their relationships with life in America and their fathers. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024