v. phr. 1. To find an answer to. John worked out his math problems all by himself. Mary had trouble getting along with her roommate, but they worked it out.
Compare: FIGURE OUT. 2. To plan; develop. Mary worked out a beautiful design for a sweater. Alice worked out a new hair-do. 3. To accomplish; arrange. The engineers worked out a system for getting electricity to the factory. 4. To be efficient; get results. If the traffic plan works out, it will be used in other cities too. 5. To exercise. John works out in the gym two hours every day.