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At a loss for words Meaning in English

expression

AT-uh-LAWSS-fer-WERDZ
AT-uh-LOSS-fuh-WURDZ

Definition

To be unable to think of anything to say, usually because you are surprised, shocked, or deeply moved.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, used in emotional or unexpected situations when someone is speechless. Common after hearing big news, surprises, or at touching moments. Not typically used for minor confusion; stronger than simply 'not knowing what to say.' Collocates with 'I was,' 'left,' or 'felt.'

Spanish: sin palabras - sin saber qué decirPortuguese (BR): sem palavras - sem saber o que dizerPortuguese (PT): sem palavras - sem saber o que dizerChinese (Simplified): 无言以对 - 不知说什么Chinese (Traditional): 無言以對 - 不知說什麼Hindi: शब्दों की कमी होना - क्या कहूं समझ न आनाArabic: لا أجد كلامًا - عاجز عن التعبيرBengali: কথা হারিয়ে ফেলা - বাকরুদ্ধ হয়ে যাওয়াRussian: не находить слов - лишиться дара речиJapanese: 言葉を失う - 何も言えなくなるVietnamese: không nói nên lờiKorean: 말을 잃다 - 할 말을 잃다Turkish: ne diyeceğini bilememek - nutku tutulmakUrdu: الفاظ ختم ہو جانا - زبان گنگ ہوناIndonesian: kehilangan kata-kata - tidak bisa berkata apa-apa

Example Sentences

I was at a loss for words when I saw the surprise party.

basic

She was at a loss for words after hearing the news.

basic

They were at a loss for words because the performance was so beautiful.

basic

Honestly, I’m at a loss for words right now—this means so much to me.

natural

He just stood there, at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond.

natural

When I saw what you did for me, I was completely at a loss for words.

natural