at a loss

Unable to decide what to do or say because you are confused or surprised.

• I’m at a loss for words.
• His strange reply left us at a loss.
• We were at a loss to explain the missing money.

How to use it: be at a loss for something (I was at a loss for words.); be at a loss to do something (We are at a loss to explain the delay.); be at a loss as to what/how… (She was at a loss as to what to do next.)

Similar words: puzzled, unsure, bewildered

Common phrases: be at a loss, remain at a loss

For less money than something cost to buy or produce.

• We sold the car at a loss.
• The shop has been operating at a loss since January.
• Would you sell your shares at a loss?

How to use it: sell something at a loss (They sold the car at a loss.); operate at a loss (The factory operated at a loss for three years.)

Similar words: below cost

Opposites: at a profit

Common phrases: sell at a loss, operate at a loss