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

But swing states like Georgia and Pennsylvania took days to sort out in 2020, and experts expect a longer wait this year. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Now, less than a week into the season, the two have some sorting out to do. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024

The congressional delegation from each state would sort out how to assign their state's vote, and a candidate would need 26 votes to win the presidency. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

As the details are sorted out, Justin has to figure out how to keep the jury from convicting an innocent man — most of them just want to get home for dinner — while not incriminating himself. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024