to obtain or acquire something desirable, an increase in wealth, power, or resources

ill-gotten gains, no pain, no gain, to gain ground on someone

gain ground, gain weight, gain the upper hand

Formal and Informal Expressions of gain

In different contexts, you can replace 'gain' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'acquire, obtain, attain' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get, score, bag' is a commonplace synonym.

gain: Explore its Definition & Usage

gain Definition

1to obtain or acquire something desirable
2an increase in wealth, power, or resources

Using gain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She gained a lot of knowledge from her experience.
Example
He gained the respect of his colleagues through his hard work.
Example
The company gained a significant market share after the merger.
Example
I hope to gain admission to a top university.

gain Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for gain

Antonyms for gain

Idioms Using gain

ill-gotten gains
money or possessions that have been acquired dishonestly
Example
The politician was accused of using his position to amass ill-gotten gains.
no pain, no gain
you have to work hard and suffer to achieve something
Example
She knew that studying for the exam would be difficult, but she believed in the saying 'no pain, no gain.'
to gain ground on someone
to get closer to someone who is ahead of you in a competition or race
Example
The runner was able to gain ground on the leader in the final lap.

Phrases with gain

gain ground
to make progress or advance in a situation
Example
The company is gaining ground in the competitive market.
gain weight
to become heavier or fatter
Example
She has gained weight since she stopped exercising.
gain the upper hand
to gain control or an advantage over someone or something
Example
After a long struggle, the company finally gained the upper hand over its competitors.

Origins of gain

from Old Norse 'gagn', meaning 'advantage'

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Summary: gain in Brief

The term 'gain' [ɡeɪn] refers to obtaining or acquiring something desirable, such as knowledge or admission to a university. It can also refer to an increase in wealth, power, or resources, as in 'The company gained a significant market share after the merger.' Phrases like 'gain ground' and 'gain the upper hand' denote making progress or gaining control, while idioms like 'no pain, no gain' imply that hard work is necessary for success.