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.
Many South Korean seniors reportedly canceling life-insurance policies at a loss to fund stock-trading accounts.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
Hewson says the UK supermarket sector is "massively competitive", and most will sell some staple products at a loss to get people through the door.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
The unit was operating at a loss with monthly revenues recently falling as low as $67,000, according to a network executive not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Even the center’s supporters are at a loss about that.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
But we are largely at a loss in trying to comprehend the beliefs and rituals of ancient hunter-gatherers.
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
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.
