Meaning & use

gaining

verb·Everyday

Last updated

Obtaining or acquiring something gradually, such as strength, knowledge, weight, or advantage.

See it in a sentence

She's been gaining confidence with every public speech she gives.

The runner was steadily gaining on the leader in the final lap.

A note on using this word

In racing and competitive contexts, "gaining" specifically implies closing a distance or advantage relative to a rival.

Words with a similar meaning

acquiringaccumulatingearning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

losingforfeiting

Make it your own

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