at a loss

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]

Example Sentences

“It’s not just small communities having their aquifer depleted. You’re actually affecting the wealth accumulation of homeowners in the valley and their ability to sell their homes not at a loss,” Fencl said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s emotional because we worked on this for so long and I learned so much. … I’m kind of at a loss of words.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Companies don't work at a loss... If orders decrease, if there is a loss, there may be a possibility that the company will shut down," she says.

From BBC

Taylor said he was at a loss to explain why he was singled out for extra questioning, but he speculated that perhaps it was because of the Obama-Biden T-shirt packed in his suitcase.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are at a loss for words right now.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• baffled 
• befuddled 
• bewildered 
• dazed 
• disorganized 
• distracted 
• muddled 
• perplexed 
• perturbed 
• puzzled www.thesaurus.com