at a loss
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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.
- 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
- filled with bewilderment
- at a loss to understand those remarks
- puzzled that she left without saying goodbye
Adverb
- below cost
- sold the car at a loss