lost for words


lost for words

Unable to speak or articulate a coherent thought, typically because one is surprised or in shock. When I got the call that my straight-A-student daughter had been arrested for breaking into the school, I was lost for words. When I found out that my coworkers had taken a collection to help pay for my medical bills, I was lost for words.See also: lost, word

lost for words

or

at a loss for words

COMMON If you are lost for words or at a loss for words, you are so amazed, shocked, or sad that you do not know what to say or how to express your feelings in words. She looked shocked and was, for a moment, lost for words. They were all waiting for me to say something. But for the first time in my life I felt at a loss for words. Note: You can also say that you are stuck for words. I was astonished to have been given the award — I was stuck for words.See also: lost, word