at a loss

phrase

1

: uncertain as to how to proceed

was at a loss to explain the discrepancy

2

: unable to produce what is needed

at a loss for words

Examples of at a loss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The claim that followed was that every token went out the door at a loss, so scale could only deepen the hole. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

It, and three other airline stocks, were sold by Warren Buffett at a loss in the first quarter of 2020 amid a massive reduction in air travel as the COVID-19 pandemic was gaining steam. — Alex Crippen, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Nearly 30 percent of Chinese industrial firms operate at a loss, up from 20 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Trump seems at a loss to bring the war to a successful conclusion. — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for at a loss

• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus
• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas