Definition of gain
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : resources or advantage acquired or increased : profit made substantial gains last year
2 : the act or process of acquiring something
3a : an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree
a gain in efficiency
b : the increase (as of voltage or signal intensity) caused by an amplifier especially : the ratio of output over input
c : the signal-gathering ability of an antenna
gain
verbgained; gaining; gains
Definition of gain (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : to acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft
gain an advantage he stood to gain a fortune
b : to win in competition or conflict
the troops gained enemy territory
d : to get by a natural development or process
gain strength
e : to establish a specific relationship with
gain a friend
2a : to make an increase of (a specified amount)
gained three percent in the past month
b : to increase in (a particular quality)
gain momentum
3 : to win to one's side : persuade gain adherents to a cause
4 : to cause to be obtained or given : attract gain attention
5 of a timepiece : to run fast by the amount of
the clock gains a minute a day
1 : to get advantage : profit hoped to gain by the deal
2a : increase the day was gaining in warmth
b : to increase in weight
c : to improve in health or ability
3 of a timepiece : to run fast
4 : to get closer to something pursued
—usually used with on or upon
gain ground
: to make progress
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Time Traveler for gain
The first known use of gain was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century