gain
1to get (something desired), especially as a result of one's efforts: to gain possession of an object;to gain permission to enter a country.
to acquire as an increase or addition: to gain weight;to gain speed.
to obtain as a profit: He gained ten dollars by this deal.
to win; get in competition: to gain the prize.
to win (someone) to one's own side or point of view; persuade (sometimes followed by over): to gain supporters.
(of a watch or clock) to run fast by (a specified amount): My watch gains six minutes a day.
to reach, especially by effort; get to; arrive at: to gain one's destination.
to improve; make progress; advance: to gain in health after an illness.
to get nearer, as in pursuit (usually followed by on or upon): Our horse was gaining on the favorite at the far turn.
to draw away from or farther ahead of the other contestants in a race, one's pursuers, etc. (usually followed by on or upon).
(of a watch or clock) to run fast.
profit or advantage.
an increase or advance.
gains, profits or winnings.
the act of gaining; acquisition.
Electronics.
a measure of the increase in signal amplitude produced by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input.
the effectiveness of a directional antenna as compared with a standard, nondirectional one.
the volume control of a radio, phonograph, amplifier, etc.
Idioms about gain
gain ground, to progress or advance, as in value, strength, or achievement: The company's new products are gaining ground in suburban areas.
gain time, to arrange a postponement or delay for a particular purpose, especially by roundabout means.
Origin of gain
1synonym study For gain
Other words for gain
Opposites for gain
Other words from gain
- gain·a·ble, adjective
- un·gain·a·ble, adjective
Other definitions for gain (2 of 2)
a notch, dado, or mortise cut into a piece of wood, as to receive another piece or to house a flap of a hinge.
a short rabbet, for receiving a flap of a butt hinge.
to make a gain or gains in.
to fasten or support by means of a gain.
Origin of gain
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use gain in a sentence
Since then, the app has gained over 165,000 users in more than 70 countries, according to its founder.
The cops say Kakehi gained several hundred million yen in inheritance from the deaths over the years.
The film was critically panned upon its release, but has since gained a cult following.
Charles Dance on Tywin Lannister’s S5 Return, A ‘Game of Thrones’ Movie,’ and Sexy Peter Dinklage | Marlow Stern | November 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIt is likely that Baghdadi has officially gained the allegiance of a number of fighters.
In contrast, areas 10 to 20 miles away from city hall gained roughly 15 million net residents.
With him one is at high pressure all the time, and I have gained a good many more ideas from him than I can work up in a hurry.
Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayRenounce the good law of the worshippers of Mazda, and thou shalt gain such a boon as the Murderer gained, the ruler of nations.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature | Moncure Daniel ConwayThey don't seem to think there would be much good gained by begging for special favours through routine channels.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonQuickly he gained a sofa by the window and dropped down upon it, watching, listening.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodIt was by popularizing tobacco in France that he gained a lasting fame.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.
British Dictionary definitions for gain (1 of 3)
/ (ɡeɪn) /
(tr) to acquire (something desirable); obtain
(tr) to win in competition: to gain the victory
to increase, improve, or advance: the car gained speed; the shares gained in value
(tr) to earn (a wage, living, etc)
(intr; usually foll by on or upon)
to get nearer (to) or catch up (on)
to get farther away (from)
(tr) (esp of ships) to get to; reach: the steamer gained port
(of a timepiece) to operate too fast, so as to indicate a time ahead of the true time or to run fast by a specified amount: this watch gains; it gains ten minutes a day
gain ground to make progress or obtain an advantage
gain time
to obtain extra time by a delay or postponement
(of a timepiece) to operate too fast
something won, acquired, earned, etc; profit; advantage
an increase in size, amount, etc
the act of gaining; attainment; acquisition
Also called: amplification electronics the ratio of the output signal of an amplifier to the input signal, usually measured in decibels
Origin of gain
1- See also gains
Derived forms of gain
- gainable, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for gain (2 of 3)
/ (ɡeɪn) /
a notch, mortise, or groove, esp one cut to take the flap of a butt hinge
(tr) to cut a gain or gains in
Origin of gain
2British Dictionary definitions for GAIN (3 of 3)
/ (ɡeɪn) /
Guaranteed Annual Income
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with gain
In addition to the idiom beginning with gain
- gain ground
also see:
- ill-gotten gains
- no pain, no gain
- nothing ventured, nothing gained
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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