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

“What they did effectively trapped traders, forcing many to sell at a loss in a lower liquidity environment, and adding liquidity back in does not undo the damage done.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

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