English Reference
verb · noun

gaining

v. · n.
US /ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/ UK /ɡˈeɪnɪŋ/ gain·ing UK spelling gainings

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.getting more of a quality or feeling over time.

    v.the process of obtaining or increasing a specific quality, amount, or advantage.

    Simple

    The car was gaining speed as it went down the hill.

    In context

    The political movement is rapidly gaining momentum among younger voters who feel ignored by the traditional parties.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    v.reaching a place or destination, often with some effort.

    v.reaching or arriving at a destination; often used in nautical or travel contexts to describe progress toward a goal.

    Simple

    After hours of climbing, they were finally gaining the top of the mountain.

    In context

    The ship was slowly gaining the harbour despite the heavy fog and the rising tide against it.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of getting a profit or an advantage.

    n.the act of acquiring profit, advantage, or increase; often functions as a gerund describing the pursuit of benefit.

    Simple

    He was only interested in personal gaining and didn't care about the team.

    In context

    The report focused on the gaining of new territories during the nineteenth century and the subsequent economic shifts.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated