at a loss
Idioms-
Below cost, as in The store was doing so badly that it was selling merchandise at a loss .
-
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]
-
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.
They argue that the reimbursement system is too slow to respond when prices spike, leaving pharmacies dispensing at a loss.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
"I was at a loss and it looked like I was on the way out, which wasn't ideal, obviously," he told Australia's Channel Seven News.
From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026
"It was absolutely incredible. And I think everyone is sort of at a loss for words," she recalled.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
The judge appeared at a loss for how to resolve the issue, since Maduro's legal team was seeking to dismiss the whole case over it.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026
While at a loss to explain some things, I take great joy in explaining others.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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.
