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.
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
Amazon’s guaranteed volumes have been a source of stability for the agency, which has operated at a loss for most of the past two decades.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026
The German heavy metal singer Doro Pesch said she was "at a loss for words", adding that it had been an honour to call Campbell her friend.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
According to an exclusive report from one Chinese outlet, Blue Bottle is still operating at a loss.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
“I don’t know,” said Lazlo, 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.
