At a loss Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɔs
AT-uh-LAWSS
ˈæt/ /æɪ/ /lˈɒs
AT-uh-LOSS
Definition
To be confused or unsure about what to do or say, often because a situation is surprising or difficult.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both spoken and written English; expresses emotional or mental confusion. Usually follows 'be' verbs: 'I'm at a loss'. Can also appear with 'for words' ('at a loss for words'). Not used for physical loss of an object.
Spanish: perdido - desconcertadoPortuguese (BR): perdido - sem saber o que fazerPortuguese (PT): perdido - sem saber o que fazerChinese (Simplified): 不知所措 - 茫然Chinese (Traditional): 不知所措 - 茫然Hindi: असमंजस में - उलझन मेंArabic: في حيرة - ضائعBengali: বিপাকে - দিশেহারা - বিভ্রান্তRussian: в растерянности - в недоуменииJapanese: 途方に暮れる - 困るVietnamese: bối rối - lúng túngKorean: 당황하다 - 어찌할 바를 모르다Turkish: ne yapacağını bilememek - şaşkınUrdu: حیران - پریشان - شش و پنج میںIndonesian: bối rối - không biết phải làm gì
Example Sentences
She was at a loss when she lost her keys.
basic
I'm at a loss for words.
basic
The question was so difficult that he was at a loss.
basic
"I'm really at a loss here—what should we do next?"
natural
He looked at a loss after hearing the unexpected news.
natural
Whenever the printer breaks, I'm at a loss until IT helps out.
natural