English Reference
verb · noun

win

v. · n.
US /ˈwɪn/ UK /wˈɪn/ win UK spelling winned

infinitive win past won past participle won

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Sport

    v.to be the best or first in a game, race, or competition.

    v.to achieve victory in a competition, contest, or conflict. Often used intransitively to describe the outcome of a struggle.

    Simple

    Our team played very well and managed to win the match by two goals.

    In context

    Despite the challenging weather conditions, the underdog managed to win the championship, defying all expert predictions made before the season started.

    Pitfall
    He won the other player in the final. He beat the other player in the final.

    You win a game or a prize, but you beat an opponent.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    v.to get a prize or money because you were successful in a competition.

    v.to acquire a prize, award, or specific benefit as a result of success in a contest or lottery.

    Simple

    She was so happy when she won a gold medal at the Olympics.

    In context

    The researcher won a prestigious grant that will fund her study on renewable energy for the next three years.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to persuade someone to support you or agree with you.

    v.to gain the support, favour, or consent of someone, typically through persuasion or charm. Often used with the particle 'over'.

    Simple

    The politician worked hard to win over the voters before the election.

    In context

    The marketing team struggled to win the client's approval, eventually succeeding after presenting a revised strategy that addressed all previous concerns.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    v.to get coal, oil, or metal out of the ground.

    v.to extract ore, coal, or other minerals from a mine or quarry.

    Simple

    The company uses new technology to win coal from deep underground.

    In context

    The geological survey assessed the feasibility of winning rare earth metals from the newly discovered deposits in the northern territory.

  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    n.a success in a game, an election, or a competition.

    n.a specific instance of victory or success in a competitive context.

    Simple

    The team's latest win puts them at the top of the league table.

    In context

    After a series of disappointing losses, the narrow win in the final minutes of the game provided a much-needed boost to the squad's morale.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a small success or something good that happens in your life or work.

    n.a successful achievement or a positive outcome, often used in professional or personal development contexts.

    Simple

    Getting the project finished a day early was a big win for the whole team.

    In context

    Securing the partnership was a major win for the startup, providing them with the necessary infrastructure to scale their operations globally.

Don't confuse

win vs earn — Earn is the result of work or effort, while win is the result of luck, a game, or a competition.

Don't confuse

win vs beat — Win takes the activity or prize as its direct object, whereas beat takes the opponent as its direct object.

Usage win her first · win the league · win the game

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated