at a loss
51
4.2
- idiom
- I am at a loss to know what to say to her.
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Watch on YouTubeSo then you're never at a loss for what to do.
- So then you're never at a loss for what to do.
- And we're completely at a loss when we can't communicate.
- So I am at a loss, actually.
- I really, I'm at a loss for words.
- I have to admit I'm a little bit at a loss.
- Or it might just get worse overall and you just find yourself at a loss for words.
- And they're all the attended difficulties with that, the loneliness, the the sense of being at a loss, trying to find your way.
- This is the bit where I would normally thank all the people who support the show on Patreon, but I, I'm already, and I'm kind of at a loss for words.
- While tensions mounted, the Allies continue to be at a loss of what to do about the region and the mess that it was in in June.
- Now, what I loved about the article is that I think many of us who do love someone who's going through something, we often feel like we're at a loss.
- If you are at a loss of what to read next, these are interesting options for you if you if they tickle your fancy.
- My doctor was still at a loss and suggested I should see someone who could rule out anything nefarious.
- I've kept on being inarticulate or I have felt at a loss for words in describing this, because there's two aspects that it is amazing on.
- And I I find it a great source for what should I read next when I am at a loss.
Examples
-
When faced with the complicated puzzle, he found himself at a loss for a solution.
-
For a moment, they were both at a loss for words.
Fiction book (1995) -
So I am at a loss, actually.
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Something just happened in the bathroom which I am at a loss to explain.
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Are you at a loss, Henry?
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But I sometimes feel at a loss to understand exactly what it is I believe in.
Fiction book (1992) -
Her parents remain supportive, but are at a loss about what to do.
Academic text (2009) -
Olivia looked in all directions, at a loss for what to do first.
Fiction book (1994) -
The offer was so disarming that I was at a loss for an answer.
Fiction book (1993) -
Dade tries to explain, but is at a loss for words.
Fiction book (1995)
Synonyms
762
1.3
Not able to think clearly or understand what is happening
625
1.0
Confused and unsure what to do or where to go
68
3.0
Unable to understand something because you feel confused
48
3.9
Feeling confused when you cannot understand something
38
5.3
Feeling confused and not knowing what is happening or what to do
30
5.1
Feeling confused because you do not understand something
26
4.9
Confused and unsure because different ideas or instructions do not agree
18
5.4
Confused and not in clear order so hard to understand
10
7.4
Confused and unable to think clearly
10
6.4
Cannot think of an answer or solution
7
6.8
Feeling very confused and not able to understand something unexpected
7
8.1
Not able to understand what is happening or what to do
5
8.9
Very surprised and confused so you do not know what to say or do
3
7.2
Feeling unsure what to do and not busy
1
5.1
Feeling confused or lost about your place among others
1
5.2
With much hurry and disorder
Confused and not sure what to do
Antonyms
How Confused
Surface Forms
Morphology
at + a + loss
The construction follows the common 'at + a + noun' pattern that signals being 'in a state of X', so a learner could infer it refers to some kind of 'loss'. However, the specific sense here is an abstract, metaphorical loss (of words, confidence, or direction) rather than the concrete financial meaning of 'loss', so the exact meaning 'not knowing what to do or say' is not fully predictable without exposure.
Etymology
At a loss paints a picture of someone who has 'lost' their words or an idea and cannot find what to say or do. That's why it means 'not knowing what to do or say'.