# regaining

/ɹɪˈɡeɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪɡˈeɪnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/regaining
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

getting something back that you lost or that was taken away. You use this when you find your balance, health, or control again.

For teachers: the present participle of 'regain'; refers to the act of recovering possession or use of something previously lost. Typically describes the restoration of abstract qualities like health, composure, or control.

## Examples

- She is slowly regaining her strength after the flu.
- After a difficult start to the match, the team is finally regaining its confidence and scoring goals.
- The central bank is focused on regaining the public's trust by implementing more transparent policies and stabilizing the national currency after months of volatility.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is regaining back his health." but "He is regaining his health." — Regaining already implies 'getting back', so adding the word 'back' is redundant.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the thing being recovered.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.