at a loss

1. 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]

2. Below cost, as in The store was doing so badly that it was selling merchandise at a loss .

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

They said that they believed the consultants had a "personal grudge" against Letby, which they were "at a loss" to understand.

From BBC

Crystal is happy to be alive but at a loss over what to do next.

From BBC

They’re both at a loss as to how to make things right in their lives, and in a world increasingly barren of understanding and farther from whatever name one has for divine goodness.

From Salon

In SBS cases, he said, many of the defendants find themselves at a loss as to how to argue their innocence when their conviction was based on medical experts.

From Los Angeles Times

I was gracious in accepting but was kind of at a loss in terms of begrudgingly having to carry around a lone flower all night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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