What does sorted mean?
Sorted means arranged or classified in a deliberate, systematic order, especially according to a useful principle such as date, size, category, or alphabetical sequence. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb sort and is used both as an adjective and as a participle: “The applications were sorted by date,” or “She sorted the correspondence.” In informal British English, sorted has also developed broader meanings such as satisfactory, successfully resolved, or properly supplied. Expressions including “Everything is sorted” and “We’re well sorted” use the word to convey that affairs are in good order or adequately provided for. The word is common in both British and American English, although these extended informal senses are particularly associated with British usage. As an adjective, sorted also suggests tidiness, clarity, and careful organization, often implying that the result is not merely random but efficiently arranged for a purpose.
Arranged in a systematic, appropriate, or effective order.
"The archive contains thousands of neatly sorted documents."
Informally, especially in British English, it can also mean satisfactory or fully resolved.
To arrange or classify something into an appropriate order, category, or sequence.
"The volunteers sorted the donations before the event began."
The form is the past tense and past participle of sort.
From arranging objects to having everything in order, “sorted” has become a compact verdict on life, work, and plans.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sorted come from?
The word comes from the Middle English verb sorten, meaning to arrange or classify, which was borrowed from Old French sorter. That French word came from the Latin sortari, “to arrange,” ultimately derived from sortem, meaning “kind” or “class.” The adjective and participial form sorted developed in English through the regular addition of -ed. The Latin root also lies behind English words such as assort, consort, and resort, although their modern meanings have shifted considerably.
Related word forms
How sorted is actually used
The informal sense “satisfactory” or “resolved” is especially common in British English, as in “Everything is sorted.” The expression “well sorted” can mean well supplied, as in “The kitchen is well sorted with equipment.”
Easily confused with sorted
Sorted means arranged in order, while soured means spoiled, turned bitter, or disappointed.
Sorted is the past tense and past participle of sort, whereas surtax is an additional tax.