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

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

The digital media company said it has broadly operated at a loss since its conception and is burdened by legacy commitments.

From The Wall Street Journal

But one senses that the playwright is at a loss to find a plausible ending after the simmering conflicts have erupted into a full conflagration.

From The Wall Street Journal

They had been adequate enough as long as we were behind locked doors; here they seemed at a loss.

From Literature

He seemed at a loss for a moment as to how to deal with the situation.

From Literature

Related Words

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