at a loss

Idioms  

1. Below cost, as in The store was doing so badly that it was selling merchandise at a loss .

2. 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]

3. 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]

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Example Sentences

At the end of each year, some investors will decide to sell some of their stocks at a loss to offset other gains booked during the year and ease their capital-gains-tax burdens.

From MarketWatch

The delisted condos in September had typically been on the market for more than 120 days, and almost 20% of them were at risk of selling at a loss.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her branch had been one of the most successful in the region but eventually she had to sell it at a loss.

From BBC

Hill worked the box office every single event after his day job, and as word of the all-ages haven spread, the club, which was operating at a loss, turned into an overnight success story.

From Los Angeles Times

Some Weyerhaeuser rivals are operating at a loss and capacity is getting reduced in the industry as some plants close.

From Barron's

Related Words

• baffled
• befuddled
• bewildered
• dazed
• disorganized
• distracted
• muddled
• perplexed
• perturbed
• puzzled