At a loss
adjective
Not knowing what to do or say.
He was at a loss for words when he heard the news.
Often appears as...
- at a loss for words
- at a loss to explain
adjective
Not making or causing to not make any profit.
The business has been running at a loss for the past year.
Often appears as...
- running at a loss
- sell at a loss
adjective
Not knowing what to do or say.
He was at a loss for words when he heard the news.
Often appears as...
- at a loss for words
- at a loss to explain
adjective
Not making or causing to not make any profit.
The business has been running at a loss for the past year.
Often appears as...
- running at a loss
- sell at a loss
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Use 'at a loss' to express strong emotional reactions, often due to surprise or shock.
She was at a loss when she found the abandoned puppies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Speechless
While often about speech, 'at a loss' can refer to being unsure of actions, too.
After the storm, the town was at a loss for where to start the cleanup.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Use
This phrase can extend to a loss of understanding or comprehension in complex situations.
The complicated math problem left us at a loss.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Use 'at a loss' to express strong emotional reactions, often due to surprise or shock.
She was at a loss when she found the abandoned puppies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Speechless
While often about speech, 'at a loss' can refer to being unsure of actions, too.
After the storm, the town was at a loss for where to start the cleanup.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Use
This phrase can extend to a loss of understanding or comprehension in complex situations.
The complicated math problem left us at a loss.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Use 'at a loss' to express strong emotional reactions, often due to surprise or shock.
She was at a loss when she found the abandoned puppies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Speechless
While often about speech, 'at a loss' can refer to being unsure of actions, too.
After the storm, the town was at a loss for where to start the cleanup.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Use
This phrase can extend to a loss of understanding or comprehension in complex situations.
The complicated math problem left us at a loss.
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