loss
[ laws, los ]
/ lɔs, lɒs /
noun
Idioms for loss
- at less than cost; at a financial loss.
- in a state of bewilderment or uncertainty; puzzled; perplexed: We are completely at a loss for an answer to the problem.
at a loss,
Origin of loss
OTHER WORDS FROM loss
pre·loss, nounWords nearby loss
British Dictionary definitions for at a loss
loss
/ (lɒs) /
noun
Word Origin for loss
C14: noun probably formed from
lost, past participle of
losen to perish, from Old English
lōsian to be destroyed, from
los destruction
Idioms and Phrases with at a loss (1 of 2)
at a loss
Below cost, as in The store was doing so badly that it was selling merchandise at a loss.
Puzzled, perplexed, in a state of uncertainty, as in When his letters were returned unopened, John was at a loss as to what to do next. This usage was originally applied to hounds who had lost the scent or track of their prey. [Mid-1600s]
at a loss for words. Unable or uncertain as to what to say. For example, Father's tirade left us all at a loss for words. [Late 1600s]
Idioms and Phrases with at a loss (2 of 2)
loss
see at a loss; cut one's losses; dead loss.