being at a loss; helplessness; despair
Describes a state of giving up, feeling helpless, or being unable to find a solution. Often used in set phrases like なげくびになる or なげくびをかく.
The problem was too difficult, and I ended up at a loss.
He can't find a job and is in despair.
Compound of 投げ (nage, 'throwing') + 首 (kubi, 'neck'). The exact derivation is uncertain; it may refer to the gesture of hanging one's head in despair.