Definition

1. Adjective Phrase:
   • Puzzled, confused, or uncertain about what to do or say: Used to describe a state of being unable to understand something or not knowing how to proceed.
2. Adverbial Phrase:
   • For less money than was originally paid; resulting in a financial loss: Used to describe selling something for a price lower than its cost.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective Phrase:
  • I was completely at a loss when the computer crashed and I lost all my work.
  • The teacher's complex explanation left the students at a loss.
  • She was at a loss for words when she received the surprise award.
• Adverbial Phrase:
  • Due to the economic crisis, the company had to sell its assets at a loss.
  • He sold his old car at a loss just to get rid of it quickly.

Advanced Usage

• "at a loss to (do something)": Unable to understand or explain something.
  • Scientists are at a loss to explain the strange phenomenon.
• "at a loss for words": So surprised, shocked, or emotional that one cannot think of anything to say.
  • His heartfelt apology left her at a loss for words.

Variants and Related Words

• Loss (n): The fact or process of losing something or someone; the state of being deprived of something.
  • The loss of a loved one is very difficult.
• Lose (v): To be deprived of or cease to have something.
  • Try not to lose your keys.

Synonyms

• Adjective sense: Perplexed, bewildered, baffled, nonplussed, stumped.
• Adverbial sense: At a deficit, in the red, unprofitably.

Related Phrases

• "Cut one's losses": To stop doing something that is causing you to lose money or fail, in order to prevent further loss.
  • After two unsuccessful years, they decided to cut their losses and close the business.

Adjective

1. filled with bewilderment
   • at a loss to understand those remarks
   • puzzled that she left without saying goodbye

Adverb

1. below cost
   • sold the car at a loss