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

Markets have been volatile in recent weeks, with the S & P 500 moving marginally lower over the past month as investors sort out what to expect. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2024

But the Rangers may be interested in making moves and sorting out the mess later. —Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

And given that researchers are still sorting out the best models for analyzing microplastics, many are cautious not to get ahead of the data. —Will Stone, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

What is more pressing is sorting out cricket's participation in Los Angeles in what might make or break the sport's Olympic involvement moving forward. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024