gain

 
Pronunciation: /geɪn/

verb

[with object]
  • 1obtain or secure (something wanted or desirable): we gained entry to the car in five seconds [with two objects]: their blend of acoustic pop gained them several chart hits
  • [no object] benefit: managers would gain from greater openness
  • archaic win over to one’s interest or views: to gratify the queen, and gain the court
  • 2reach or arrive at (a destination): we gained the ridge
  • [no object] (gain on) come closer to (a person or thing pursued): a huge bear was gaining on him with every stride
  • 3increase the amount or rate of (something, typically weight or speed): she had gained weight since her wedding
  • [no object] increase in value: shares 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

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1an increase in wealth or resources: the pursuit of personal gain [count noun]: shares showed gains of up to 21 per cent
  • a thing that is achieved or acquired: the potential gain from rail privatization would be a more commercial railway
  • 2the factor by which power or voltage is increased in an amplifier or other electronic device, usually expressed as a logarithm: an amplifier of high gain

Phrases

gain time

obtain extra time to achieve something by deliberate delaying tactics: the government was using the negotiations to gain time

Derivatives

gainable

adjective

gainer

noun

Origin:

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