gain

Syllabification: (gain)

Pronunciation: /gān/

Definition of gain

[with object]

1obtain or secure (something desired, favorable, or profitable):a process that has gained the confidence of the industry [with two objects]:their blend of acoustic folk pop gained them several chart hits
reach or arrive at (a desired destination):we gained the ridge
[no object] (gain on) come closer to (a person or thing pursued):a huge bear gaining on him with every stride
archaic bring over to one’s interest or views; win over:to gratify the queen and gain the court

2increase the amount or rate of (something, typically weight or speed):she had gradually gained weight since her wedding
[no object] increase in value:stocks also gained for the third day in a row
[no object] (gain in) improve or advance in some respect:canoeing is gaining in popularity
(of a clock or watch) become fast by (a specific amount of time):this atomic clock will neither gain nor lose a second in the next 1 million years

an increase in wealth or resources:the mayor was accused of using municipal funds for personal gain
a thing that is achieved or acquired:a balance between water loss and water gain
the factor by which power or voltage is increased in an amplifier or other electronic device, usually expressed as a logarithm.

Derivatives

late 15th century (as a noun, originally in the sense 'booty'): from Old French gaigne (noun), gaignier (verb), of Germanic origin

Definition of gain in the British & World English dictionary