at a loss

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

at a loss

1. (trade) Below the cost or price of purchase.

   Coordinate terms: at cost, at a profit

   We sold those old computers at a loss.

2. (idiomatic) Not sure; uncertain; lacking further ideas, direction, or ability.

   I have fixed the parts I understand, and the rest leaves me at a loss.

   His policies may be ineffective, but he is never at a loss for words.

   I'm at a loss how to proceed.

• (not sure; lacking ideas, direction, etc.): at sea, bewildered, stumped, up a tree

• lost for words

• Lasotas, Talossa