THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Out of sorts
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
In an unhappy or unsettled mood.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I’ve been out of sorts since that frustrating meeting.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I’ve been ________ since that frustrating meeting.
Show the answer
Out of sorts — In an unhappy or unsettled mood.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Out of sorts” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
In an unhappy or unsettled mood.
Compare: I’ve been out of sorts since that frustrating meeting.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when someone seems less cheerful or comfortable than usual. It is often a gentle description rather than a claim about a specific cause.
More examples in context
- Amira seemed out of sorts, so I asked whether she wanted some quiet time.
- Sorry if I sound impatient; I’m feeling a bit out of sorts today.
Usage note
Use plural “sorts” and no article. “Feel”, “seem” and “be” are common verbs with the phrase. Describe what you notice rather than assuming you know why someone feels this way.
A short conversation
A: You’ve been quiet this evening.
B: I’m a little out of sorts after a difficult day.
A: Would you rather talk about it or have some space?
One more practice question
Which description best matches someone who feels out of sorts?
A. They are not in their usual cheerful or settled mood.
B. They are delighted and completely at ease.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes an unhappy or unsettled mood.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.