gainful

adjective

gain·​ful ˈgān-fəl How to pronounce gainful (audio)
: productive of gain : profitable
gainful employment
gainfully adverb
gainfulness noun

Examples of gainful in a Sentence

graduated from school and went looking for gainful employment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An example is the programs that prepare people to leave correctional institutions for gainful employment. Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025 To qualify, borrowers must be unable to engage in substantial, gainful activity due to a medical condition that is either terminal or has persisted for the last five years, or is expected to continue for another five years. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 Addiction Recovery Care treats substance abuse disorders, and then trains those recovering from substance abuse for gainful employment. Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024 This is a program that can wipe out the federal student loan debt for borrowers who are unable to engage in substantial, gainful activity due to a medical impairment. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gainful

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gainful was in 1553

Cite this Entry

“Gainful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gainful. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

gainful

adjective
gain·​ful ˈgān-fəl How to pronounce gainful (audio)
: producing gain : making money
gainful employment
gainfully adverb
gainfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gainful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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