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

State subsidies and mandates from Beijing have also encouraged excess production and cutthroat price wars, forcing them to turn to export markets and resulting in nearly a third of Chinese industrial firms operating at a loss. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026

At the time, Amazon was undercutting book publishers by buying their e-books and then selling them at a loss. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

High cash value life insurance is increasingly part of that strategy, providing tax-advantaged, accessible capital that can help fund operations, seize opportunities or weather disruptions without selling core assets at a loss. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

After a weekend sweep of the Washington Nationals, a step up in competition has left the Marlins at a loss. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 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