verb
    
    gains; gained; gaining
    
    [+ obj] to get (something wanted or valued)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    to win (something) in a competition, battle, etc.
    
    
    
    
    
    to gradually get (something) or more of (something) as time passes
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    [+ obj] :to cause (someone) to have (something)
    
    
    
    
    
    to increase in (something) [+ obj]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    usually + in
    
    
    
    
    
    [+ obj] :to increase in value by (a specified amount)
    
    
    
    [no obj] :to increase in value when compared to something else
    
    
    
    [no obj] :to get an advantage
    
    
    
    [+ obj] American football :to move the ball (a specified distance) down the field
    
    
    
    of a clock or watch :to show a time that is later than the correct time :to run fast [no obj]
    
    
    
    
    
    [+ obj] formal :to arrive at (a place) especially after much effort
    
    
    
    gain a/the jump on
    
    
    
    gain ground
    
    
    
    gain on
    
    [phrasal verb]
    
    gain on (someone or something) :to come nearer to (someone or something that is ahead of you in a race or competition)
    
    
    
    gain time
    
    to cause something to be delayed so that more time is available to do what is needed
    
    
    
    noun
    
    plural gains
    
    [count] :something wanted or valued that is gotten :something that is gained
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    [noncount] :something that is helpful :advantage or benefit
    
    
    
    an increase in amount, size, or number [count]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    [count] American football :the distance the ball is moved down the field during a play
    
    
    
    no pain, no gain
    
    also no gain without pain
    
    informal - used to say that it is necessary to suffer or work hard in order to succeed or make progress;