'To be at a loss' definitions:

Definition of 'To be at a loss'

From: GCIDE
  • Loss \Loss\ (l[o^]s; 115), n. [AS. los loss, losing, fr. le['i]san to lose. [root]127. See Lose, v. t.]
  • 1. The act of losing; failure; destruction; privation; as, the loss of property; loss of money by gaming; loss of health or reputation. [1913 Webster]
  • Assured loss before the match be played. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The state of losing or having lost; the privation, defect, misfortune, harm, etc., which ensues from losing. [1913 Webster]
  • Though thou repent, yet I have still the loss. --Shak [1913 Webster]
  • 3. That which is lost or from which one has parted; waste; -- opposed to gain or increase; as, the loss of liquor by leakage was considerable. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The state of being lost or destroyed; especially, the wreck or foundering of a ship or other vessel. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Failure to gain or win; as, loss of a race or battle. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. Failure to use advantageously; as, loss of time. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Mil.) Killed, wounded, and captured persons, or captured property. [1913 Webster]
  • 8. (Insurance) Destruction or diminution of value, if brought about in a manner provided for in the insurance contract (as destruction by fire or wreck, damage by water or smoke), or the death or injury of an insured person; also, the sum paid or payable therefor; as, the losses of the company this year amount to a million of dollars. [1913 Webster]
  • To bear a loss, to make a loss good; also, to sustain a loss without sinking under it.
  • To be at a loss, to be in a state of uncertainty.
  • Syn: Privation; detriment; injury; damage. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'To be at a loss'