to be at a loss

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]