1
: resources or advantage acquired or increased : profit
made substantial gains last year
2
: the act or process of acquiring something
3
a
: an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree
a gain in efficiency
b
: the increase (as of voltage or signal intensity) caused by an amplifier
especially
: the ratio of output over input
c
: the signal-gathering ability of an antenna
gained; gaining; gains
1
a
: to acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft
gain an advantage
he stood to gain a fortune
b
: to win in competition or conflict
the troops gained enemy territory
d
: to get by a natural development or process
gain strength
e
: to establish a specific relationship with
gain a friend
2
a
: to make an increase of (a specified amount)
gained three percent in the past month
b
: to increase in (a particular quality)
gain momentum
3
: to win to one's side : persuade
gain adherents to a cause
4
: to cause to be obtained or given : attract
gain attention
5
of a timepiece
: to run fast by the amount of
the clock gains a minute a day
1
: to get advantage : profit
hoped to gain by the deal
2
a
: increase
the day was gaining in warmth
b
: to increase in weight
c
: to improve in health or ability
3
of a timepiece
: to run fast
4
: to get closer to something pursued
—usually used with on or upon
gainer
noun
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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