What is "to be at a loss"

Loss \Loss\ (l[o^]s; 115), n. [AS. los loss, losing, fr. le['o]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.

   Assured loss before the match be played.
   --Shak.

2. The state of losing or having lost; the privation, defect, misfortune, harm, etc., which ensues from losing.

   Though thou repent, yet I have still the loss.
   --Shak

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.

4. The state of being lost or destroyed; especially, the wreck or foundering of a ship or other vessel.

5. Failure to gain or win; as, loss of a race or battle.

6. Failure to use advantageously; as, loss of time.

7. (Mil.) Killed, wounded, and captured persons, or captured property.

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.

   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.