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

The clock ran for more than 30 seconds while the officials tried to sort out another penalty. —Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024

UConn was still sorting out whether Karaban would be able to join the team on its flight back to Connecticut late Wednesday night. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Nov. 2024

Those 1926 Senators played before the league allowed forward passes, for example, while the 1930 Bruins played before the league had sorted out its definition of offside. —Murat Ates, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: The FG unit’s sorted out, at least. —Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2024