at a loss
Idioms-
Below cost, as in The store was doing so badly that it was selling merchandise at a loss .
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Puzzled, perplexed, in a state of uncertainty, as in When his letters were returned unopened, John was at a loss as to what to do next . This usage was originally applied to hounds who had lost the scent or track of their prey. [Mid-1600s]
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at a loss for words . Unable or uncertain as to what to say. For example, Father's tirade left us all at a loss for words . [Late 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.
After the film's removal from the streaming platform for Indian audiences, Trehan told The Indian Express newspaper, "I am at a loss right now. I don't know how to react to this development."
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
The company still operates at a loss, and is not expected to show a profit until its $20 billion multiyear cloud contract with OpenAI accelerates next year.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026
“I’m at a loss for words,” said his coach, Lionel Scaloni.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
This year’s event has a record number of participants, and is set to break even after operating at a loss for the last two years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026
“Then what are we to do?” he asked, at a loss.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
