at a loss

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Not knowing what to do or say; puzzled or uncertain.

   Grammar: Used after the verb 'be' or 'feel': I was at a loss.

   Patterns

   • be at a loss
   • feel at a loss
   • at a loss for words
   • at a loss to explain something

   When she asked me why I had quit, I was at a loss for words.

   The doctor seemed at a loss to explain the sudden pain.

   After the earthquake, many families were at a loss about where to find help.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasebusiness

   Selling something for less money than you paid for it.

   Grammar: Often used in business contexts: sold at a loss.

   Patterns

   • sell something at a loss
   • operate at a loss
   • run at a loss

   The company sold its old computers at a loss.

   Many small shops are operating at a loss because of the competition.

   He had to sell his car at a loss to pay his debts.

Common combinations

be at a loss for words

She was so surprised that she was at a loss for words.

be at a loss to explain

The police were at a loss to explain how the thief got in.

feel at a loss

After moving to a new city, he felt at a loss for a while.

sell at a loss

They had to sell their house at a loss after the market crashed.

Synonyms and how they differ

puzzled

Puzzled means confused because you cannot understand something; 'at a loss' often adds a sense of not knowing what to do next.

bewildered

Bewildered is stronger and suggests being completely confused; 'at a loss' can be milder.

Opposites

Commonly confused: at a loss or lost?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “at a loss”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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