noun

capital gains

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Capital gains (noun) means the profit made when an asset such as a share, a property or a work of art is sold for more than it cost to buy. Usually plural, though a single such profit is a capital gain. Example: “Almost all her capital gains that year came from selling the flat.”

noun

The profit made when an asset such as a share, a property or a work of art is sold for more than it cost to buy. Usually plural, though a single such profit is a capital gain.

"Almost all her capital gains that year came from selling the flat."

"The value on paper had risen, but there were no capital gains until he actually sold."

chiefly attributive Short for capital gains tax, the tax charged on such profits in many countries. Used attributively, as in capital gains rate.

"The sale pushed him into a higher capital gains band."

How to use capital gains

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe profit you make when you sell something for more than you paid for it.

When to use it

Neutral and standard in financial, legal and tax writing. Normally plural; the singular capital gain refers to one specific profit.

Memory tip

Note that gains here are only counted when the asset is sold; simply owning something that has gone up in price does not produce a capital gain.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

capital loss dividend → income → cost basis

Common pairings

long-term capital gains capital gains tax offset capital gains realise a capital gain

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Almost all her _____ that year came from selling the flat.

Etymology

From capital in its financial sense of wealth held as assets, plus gain, an increase in value.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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capital appreciation realised profit investment profit gain capital gains tax CGT

Antonyms

capital loss

Related words

get clear increase lose loss addition reach receive

Rhymes for capital gains

mains pains rains brains grains Plains Stains remains curtains

See all rhymes for capital gains →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a realised and an unrealised capital gain?

An unrealised gain, sometimes called a paper gain, is the rise in value of something you still hold. It becomes a realised gain at the moment you sell and the profit actually exists as money. Tax rules in most countries are concerned with realised gains, so a rise on paper is generally not a taxable event by itself.

What is the difference between capital gains and dividends?

A capital gain comes from selling an asset for more than you paid. A dividend is a payment a company makes out of its profits to people who hold its shares, and you receive it without selling anything. Many countries tax the two differently.

How is a capital gain calculated?

In broad terms it is the sale price minus what the asset cost you, where the cost usually includes purchase price and certain associated expenses. That cost figure is often called the cost basis or base cost. The precise rules, allowances and rates differ by country.

What is the meaning of capital gains?

"capital gains" (noun) means the profit made when an asset such as a share, a property or a work of art is sold for more than it cost to buy. Usually plural, though a single such profit is a capital gain.

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