transitive verb
1. : to effect by labor and exertion
work out your own salvation — Phil 2:12 (Authorized Version)
each novel's leading character works out his destiny — Otis Fellows
2.
a. : to solve (as a problem) by a process of reasoning or calculation
b. : to devise, arrange, or achieve especially by resolving difficulties or conflicts
a better route was worked out — G.R.Stewart
work out a plan of complete reconstruction — S.P.B.Mais
worked out a compromise agreement that ended the dispute
c. : develop , elaborate
whole sonata … was deeply felt and finely worked out — New York Times
though the final situation is not worked out with psychological profundity — Leslie Rees
3. : to discharge fully (as a debt) by labor instead of money payment
servants who had worked out their terms of servitude — R.A.Billington
4. : to exhaust (as a mine or vein) by working
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to prove effective or practicable or suitable
if the plan works out satisfactorily
b. : to amount to a total or calculated figure : come to a figure — used with at
this rate works out at an increase of 88° F for every mile … towards the center of the earth — W.E.Swinton
2. : to go through a training or practice session especially in an athletic specialty
works out daily with sparring partners
3. : to work outside the home as hired help : hire out