gains; gained; gaining
1
a
: to get (something wanted or valued)
They stand to gain an advantage over their competitors by getting an early start.
What do you hope to gain from/by this?
gain control of/over the territory
Investigators are trying to gain access to the group's financial records.
We were unable to gain admission/entrance/entry to the club.
We need to gain a better understanding of the problem.
They had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
He first gained attention/recognition/fame as a young writer.
Her theories are slowly gaining acceptance.
She's gaining confidence in herself. [=she is becoming more confident]
I took the job to gain experience.
b
: to win (something) in a competition, battle, etc.
He is still hoping to gain the party's nomination.
gain a victory
c
: to gradually get (something) or more of (something) as time passes
He gained 40 pounds over five years, and then lost it all in two.
gain weight
The baby is quickly gaining strength in her legs.
2
: to cause (someone) to have (something)
His recent behavior has gained [=earned] him a reputation for stubbornness.
Her hard work gained her their respect. [=she has gained their respect through hard work; they respect her now because of her hard work]
3
a
: to increase in (something)
This event gains popularity [=becomes more popular] each year.
The plane was gaining altitude.
Some of the stocks are gaining value, while others are losing value.
Some of the stocks are gaining, while others are losing.
—usually + inThis event gains in popularity each year
The stocks are gaining in value.
b
: to increase in value by (a specified amount)
The stocks gained three percent last month.
c
: to increase in value when compared to something else
The dollar gained against the pound last month.
4
: to get an advantage
The company hopes to gain [=profit] from the new regulations.
5
American football
: to move the ball (a specified distance) down the field
They gained five yards on the last play.
6
of a clock or watch
: to show a time that is later than the correct time : to run fast
The clock gains by less than a second a year.
The clock gains less than a second a year.
7
formal
: to arrive at (a place) especially after much effort
The tired swimmer gained the shore at last.
plural gains
1
: something wanted or valued that is gotten : something that is gained
ill-gotten gains [=money and other valuable things gotten through dishonest methods]
especially
: money gotten through some activity or process : profit
financial/stock-market gains
economic gains
2
: something that is helpful : advantage or benefit
He acted only for his own personal/political gain. [=he acted only to benefit himself]
3
: an increase in amount, size, or number
a gain in weight
impressive gains [=improvements] in performance
They hope to make big gains in Congress in the coming election. [=they hope that many more members of their party will be elected to Congress]
The medication can cause nausea and weight gain.
4
American football
: the distance the ball is moved down the field during a play
They picked up a five-yard gain on first down.
Cite this Entry
“Gain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/gain. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
