Synonyms

out of sorts

Idioms

Irritable, grouchy, as in Don't ask him today—he's out of sorts. This expression also implies that one's poor spirits result from feeling slightly ill. [Early 1600s] The synonym out of humor, on the other hand, used more in Britain than America, simply means “ill-tempered” or “irritable.” [Mid-1600s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Nebraska starting point guard Sam Hoiberg drew a second foul that sent him to the bench midway through the half, USC took advantage, forcing six turnovers in five minutes from a Cornhuskers offense that suddenly looked out of sorts.

From Los Angeles Times

But Shiffrin has been out of sorts and now heads into the slalom at real risk of leaving northern Italy with a repeat of her Beijing Olympics disaster four years ago.

From Barron's

But whereas Macclesfield's players played with passion and pride, Palace were well out of sorts.

From BBC

The offense looked out of sorts.

From Los Angeles Times

Reaves looked out of sorts when he entered with 5:23 remaining in the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023