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

Investors often wait until December to tax-loss harvest — or sell investments at a loss and use their losses to offset gains in other investments. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

That guaranteed the teams with revenue, with brokers benefiting from a markup for popular games but taking the risk that tickets to less popular games would sell at a loss, or not at all. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

But in this premiere, the cast is largely at a loss on who to target at the first roundtable. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

However, stocks that performed below their purchase price can be sold at a loss to offset capital gains and reduce your overall tax liability—a process called tax-loss harvesting. — Paula Thielen, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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