To be at a loss

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]