verb

gained

gaynd

Gained (verb) means past tense and past participle of gain: obtained or acquired something, especially something desirable, over time or through effort. Example: “She gained a first-class degree while working nights.”

verb

Past tense and past participle of gain: obtained or acquired something, especially something desirable, over time or through effort.

"She gained a first-class degree while working nights."

"The party gained twelve seats at the election."

Increased in amount, level or value.

"He gained four kilos over the winter."

"The index gained 1.2% by the close."

How to Use Gained

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGot more of something, or got something worth having.

When to use it

Neutral. Note the fixed idioms gained ground, gained traction, gained access and gained weight.

Memory tip

Gain suggests an increase or an advantage. You gain confidence or weight; you win a prize; you earn a wage.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

earned → won → gainfully

Common pairings

gained access gained ground gained traction gained weight gained experience

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ a first-class degree while working nights.

Etymology

From Old French gaaignier, meaning to earn or win, of Germanic origin.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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acquired obtained earned secured won rose increased climbed put on

Antonyms

lost forfeited fell dropped

Related Words

got lost red won foreign missing greater fell

Rhymes for gained

lined mined joined ruined pained refined stained defined trained drained chained obtained

See all rhymes for gained →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gained and earned?

Earned implies you worked for something and deserved it — a wage, a qualification, someone's respect. Gained is broader and covers any increase or acquisition, deserved or not, including weight, speed and ground. You can gain an advantage by luck, but you cannot earn one by luck.

What does "gained traction" mean?

It means an idea, product or campaign started to attract real support and momentum after a slow start. The image is of wheels finally gripping the road.

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