Word
regain
Phoneticsre·gain, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈɡeɪn/
UK/ɹɪɡˈeɪn/
Definitions
01to get back a quality or feeling
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to get back a feeling or ability that you had before.
v. to recover a quality, state, or ability that was previously lost or diminished.
日本語:取り戻す※
“After a few days of rest, he began to regain his strength.”
“The patient worked diligently with the physical therapist to regain full mobility in her shoulder following the surgery.”
Usage
Often used with abstract nouns like 'consciousness', 'control', or 'composure'.
Antonyms
02to recover possession
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to get back something physical that you no longer had.
v. to recover possession of a physical object or territory.
日本語:取り戻す※
“The army fought hard to regain the lost territory.”
“The company launched a legal battle to regain control of its intellectual property after the partnership dissolved.”
Usage
Transitive verb requiring a direct object.
03weaving/textiles
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technology Technical
n. the amount a piece of cloth grows when the fibers get wet or swell.
n. the increase in the width of woven cloth caused by the swelling of fibers, used to calculate reed width.
“The weaver calculated the regain to ensure the final fabric was the correct size.”
“Accurate measurement of regain is essential in industrial weaving to prevent the finished textile from deviating from the client's specifications.”
Usage
Usually uncountable in this technical sense.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized term; most learners will only encounter the verb form.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “regain” in context.
Verb
01. fail to regain
“The team failed to regain their lead in the final minutes of the game.”
verb + inf
02. regain composure
“She took a deep breath to regain composure before answering the reporter.”
verb + noun
03. regain consciousness
“The boxer did not regain consciousness for several minutes after the knockout.”
verb + noun
04. regain control
“The pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft despite the engine failure.”
verb + noun
05. regain footing
“The industry is trying to regain its footing after the economic downturn.”
verb + noun
06. seek to regain
“The exiled leader sought to regain power through a democratic election.”
verb + inf
Adjective
07. fully regain
“It took several months for the athlete to fully regain fitness.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. attempt to regain
“His attempt to regain his former position was met with resistance.”
noun + inf
09. chance to regain
“The new policy gives small businesses a chance to regain lost ground.”
noun + inf
10. regain a sense of normalcy
“After the floods, the town is working hard to regain a sense of normalcy.”
11. regain one's sense of balance
“He stumbled on the ice but quickly managed to regain his sense of balance.”
12. regain the upper hand
“The government is fighting to regain the upper hand in the conflict.”
Real-World Examples
“The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regained control of much of the capital, Khartoum while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain entrenched across much of Darfur in western Sudan.” “Those working in the industry regularly see a pattern where a patient is losing weight but ends up discontinuing treatment due to cost pressures and so regains it, said Hannbeck said.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/regain
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0