v.1. To remove or eliminate something from something by repeated, continuous, or applied effort: We tried for hours to work the stain out of the shirt. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn't work the knot out of the rope. I worked out the tangles with a comb.
2. To solve or resolve something by work or effort: The mathematician worked out the answer over several days. We have our disagreements, but we always work them out.
3. To formulate or develop something: The lawyers worked out a strategy for the trial. We have no plans yet; we still need to work them out.
4. To discharge or arrange to discharge some obligation or debt: I worked out my high phone bill with the creditors.
5. To prove successful, effective, or satisfactory: The new strategy may not work out.
6. To have some specified result: The ratio works out to an odd number. It worked out that everyone left on the same train.
7. To engage in strenuous exercise for physical conditioning: You look very trim and fit; have you been working out? I work out at the gym twice a week.
8. To subject some part of the body to exertion for physical conditioning: Sit-ups work out the abdominal muscles.
9. To exhaust or deplete something. Used chiefly in the passive: After a hundred years in operation, the mine was worked out.
10. work out of To have some place as a central office or work location: I work out of my house.