At a loss means confused, not knowing what to say or do: I'm at a loss to explain it. At a loss for words means speechless, from shock or delight. With sell, operate or run, the meaning is financial: sell at a loss means sell for less than you paid.
Want to use at a loss in conversation?
Write a sentence — we'll show the mistakes right away and suggest how to say it more naturally.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
be at a loss to explain / understand; at a loss for words; sell / operate at a loss
- I was at a loss to explain why the key no longer fitted the lock.
- The unexpected kindness left him at a loss for words.
- They sold the unused equipment at a loss to clear space in the workshop.
What changed
First versionI was at loss to explain the sudden silence.
RevisionI was at a loss to explain the sudden silence.
Many fixed phrases have no article, like at random or at ease, so a looks optional here too. But this phrase only works with it: at a loss. With the article back, the sentence is correct, and to + verb follows: at a loss to explain.
I don't know simply means you lack the information. I'm at a loss means you're stuck, with no idea what to do: I don't know his number vs I'm at a loss as to what to do next. With money, the pair is sold at a profit and sold at a loss.
Your turn
You cannot find anything to say: You are at a loss ___ words.
Show the answer
for — Before the noun words you need for: at a loss for words. To goes before a verb: at a loss to explain.
Describe an unexpected situation you couldn't explain. Use at a loss to explain.
I was at a loss to explain how the sealed envelope had ended up in the wrong office.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.