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

Omega has truly sorted out its Speedmaster bracelets, and the Co-Axial escapement inside the caliber 3861 movement is among the many high-tech features on view through the crystal caseback. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 May 2024

McIlroy, who became the staunchest defender of all things PGA, got blindsided by the Tour’s awkward handshake with LIV that still is being sorted out. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024

The stipulation is mandated in the Hatch-Waxman Act, a federal law used to sort out patent infringement cases that can delay the arrival of lower-cost generics in medicine cabinets. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 13 May 2024

Bill Hammond, a senior fellow at the Empire Center for Public Policy, a nonpartisan New York think tank, said policymakers should focus on better strategies to protect patients from infectious outbreaks, rather than leaving it up to the courts to sort out liability years later. —Fred Schulte | Kff Health News, ABC News, 11 May 2024

But whatever the structural things still to be sorted out, this is very rich and lovely writing, nuanced and humanistic and looking at this fraught topic in a very fresh way. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2024

North Mecklenburg residents and leaders at the time expressed cautious optimism about potential progress, but cautioned there’s still plenty to sort out and lingering distrust in the community. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2024

Regulators also have to sort out who would be liable for any infractions. —John Kell, Fortune, 2 May 2024

Jasmine and Gino had a lot to sort out on Sunday’s episode of 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After. —Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024