B2verb1K

Gain

UK /["/ɡeɪn/","/ɡeɪnz/","/ɡeɪnd/","/ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɡeɪn/","/ɡeɪnz/","/ɡeɪnd/","/ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to obtain or win something, especially something that you need or want

In simple words: To get more of something, like money, weight, or knowledge.

Examples

  • She hopes to gain valuable experience during her internship at the law firm.
  • If you consistently study, you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
  • He managed to gain the trust of his colleagues through hard work.
  • Many businesses gain competitive advantages through innovative technology.
  • She gained weight over the winter due to a lack of physical activity.
  • The company gained a significant market share after the successful launch of their product.
  • As the sun rose, we gained a clearer view of the mountains.
  • He felt a sense of pride after he gained his diploma.

Usage notes

Use 'gain' when discussing positive increases. Common in both formal and casual contexts, but avoid in very informal speech.

Grammar pattern

gain + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'gain' like a 'train' that adds weight to your journey.

Collocations

  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • gradually
  • stand to
  • expect to
  • hope to
  • from
  • have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to gain
  • have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to be gained
  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • gradually
  • stand to
  • expect to
  • hope to
  • from
  • have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to gain
  • have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to be gained
  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • gradually
  • stand to
  • expect to
  • hope to
  • from
  • have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to gain
  • have everything, little, a lot, nothing, etc. to be gained

Synonyms

  • obtain
  • acquire
  • earn
  • increase
  • win

Antonyms

  • lose
  • diminish
  • decrease

Common mistakes

  • 'Gained' is often confused with 'gain's' past tense, misused when talking about present actions.
  • Learners may use it incorrectly with non-count nouns, like saying 'gains in knowledge' instead of 'gain knowledge.'
  • Sometimes mispronounced, particularly the 'g' sound.