OpenSynonym

gain

/ɡeɪn/

NOUN

1. The act of acquiring or obtaining something

The act of gaining possession of, acquiring, or obtaining something.

1.1. Acquisition or attainment

The process or act of obtaining something through effort, action, or opportunity.

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Examples

  • The gain of new skills helped her advance in her career.
  • The company celebrated the gain of several important clients.

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1.2. Something obtained or received

An advantage, benefit, profit, or valuable result that someone obtains.

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Examples

  • The investment produced a substantial financial gain.
  • The experience was a valuable gain for everyone involved.

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1.3. An increase in signal strength

The factor by which an electronic signal or system increases the strength or amplitude of a signal.

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Examples

  • The technician adjusted the amplifier's gain to improve the audio signal.

Related Words

  • amplifier
  • signal strength
  • audio level
  • power

VERB

2. Acquiring, obtaining, or receiving

To acquire possession of something, obtain it, or receive it through effort, action, or opportunity.

2.1. Obtaining or acquiring something

Getting or securing something that one wants, needs, or is entitled to.

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Examples

  • She worked diligently to gain new skills and advance in her career.
  • The students collaborated to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

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2.2. Earning money or making a profit

Obtaining money, income, or financial benefit through work, business, investment, or other activities.

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Examples

  • Investors hope to gain profit by making strategic choices in the stock market.
  • The small business managed to gain enough revenue to expand its operations.

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2.3. Obtaining an advantage or benefit

Getting an advantage, benefit, or favorable position from a situation or action.

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Examples

  • The team hoped to gain an advantage by studying its competitors.

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2.4. Winning or achieving victory

Becoming successful in a contest, competition, or struggle, or obtaining something through winning.

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Examples

  • The athlete trained hard to gain the strength needed for the upcoming competition.

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2.5. Increasing in amount, size, or intensity

Becoming greater in quantity, size, value, strength, or intensity.

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Examples

  • The athlete continued to gain strength through regular training.
  • The company hopes to gain market share over the next year.

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2.6. Catching up with or overtaking someone

Getting closer to someone or something ahead, or becoming more likely to catch or overtake it.

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Examples

  • The pursuing runner began to gain on the leader during the final lap.

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2.7. Reaching or arriving at a destination

Reaching a place, point, or destination after traveling or making progress toward it.

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Examples

  • After a long climb, the hikers finally gained the summit.

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2.8. Winning someone's support or approval

Persuading someone to support, favor, or join a person, cause, or group.

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Antonyms

  • dissuade
  • discourage
  • deter

Examples

  • As the project manager, her primary goal was to gain the team's trust and cooperation.

Related Words

  • influence
  • entreat
  • blandish
  • overpersuade

2.9. Putting on weight

Increasing in body weight, often through changes in diet, health, or physical condition.

Synonyms

  • put on weight
  • fatten
  • bulk up
  • flesh out

Antonyms

  • lose weight
  • slim down
  • thin

Examples

  • He began to gain weight after changing his eating habits.

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2.10. A clock or watch running fast

To show a time later than the correct time because a clock or watch runs too quickly.

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Antonyms

  • lose time
  • run slow

Examples

  • This old clock tends to gain several minutes every week.

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