English▸ verb [with object]
1 obtain or secure (something desired, favorable, or profitable):
the process has gained the confidence of the industry
[with two objects] their blend of acoustic folk pop gained them several chart hits.
▪ archaic bring over to one's interest or views; win over:
to gratify the queen, and gain the court.
▪ 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.
2 increase the amount or rate of (something, typically weight or speed):
I have gained weight over the years.
▪ [no object] increase in value:
stocks also gained for the third day in a row.
▪ (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 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.
– ORIGIN late 15th century (as a noun, originally in the sense ‘booty’): from Old French gaigne (noun), gaignier (verb), of Germanic origin.