capital gain

noun

: the increase in value of an asset (such as stock or real estate) between the time it is bought and the time it is sold

Examples of capital gain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Incentivizing long-term investing Long-term investors could see the greatest impact from a change to capital gains tax treatment, according to Sinnett. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

However, stocks that performed below their purchase price can be sold at a loss to offset capital gains and reduce your overall tax liability—a process called tax-loss harvesting. — Paula Thielen, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Tax policy and technology have concentrated money into fewer, richer hands, more dependent on capital gains and corporate profits than wages for a day’s work. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Lower turnover means less tax-triggering capital gains events. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for capital gain

• cyclopropane
• legerdemain
• nitromethane
• ultramontane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine

Legal Definition

capital gain

see also:

gain