verb · B1

Gain

GAYN/ɡeɪn/

Gain means get something useful: gain experience, confidence, time, or weight. Get is everyday and broader; earn is mainly money from work; win needs a competition. Gain can sound slightly formal in reports: the party gained support. A gain is the noun. Loss is a common opposite for money and weight.

Meaning

To get something useful, such as time, money, or a skill.

Examples

“You will gain confidence with practice.”
“She gained useful experience abroad.”
“The shares gained value last month.”

Good to know

gain experience / confidence / weight. Everyday: get. Money from work: earn.

Near in meaning

obtain

New