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 players and owners now have one year to sort out how athletes should be compensated for their ongoing role in the league’s growth. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2024

To sort out which is which, the weather service first looks at the time the damage occurred, Hubbard said. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

But the implementation and enforcement of the 2023 legislation is still TBD, with the FDA giving brands until 2025 to sort out their ingredients. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024

That means sorting out current supply chain issues, meeting market demand, and investing aggressively in the next technological platform. —Howard Yu, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024