0 past simple and past participle of gain
1 to get something that is useful, that gives you an advantage, or that is in some way positive, especially over a period of time:
The mayor has gained a lot of support from the teacher's union.
Alternative medicine has only just started to gain respectability in our society.
[ + two objects ] It was her performances in Aida that gained her an international reputation as a soprano.
After you've gained some experience teaching abroad, you can come home and get a job.
From the late 19th century, European powers began to gain control of parts of the Ottoman Empire.
She's certainly gained (in) confidence over the last couple of years.
The data exists all right - the difficulty is in gaining access to it.
The thieves gained entrance through an upstairs window that was left open.
3 If a clock or watch gains, it works too quickly and shows a time that is later than the real time:
You can't gain access to the computer system without entering your password.
He gained a reputation as being a staunch defender of civil rights.
The pacifist movement is gaining increasing support among young people.
This policy may appeal to the party faithful, but will it gain the support of uncommitted voters?
The spacecraft will fly round Earth to gain momentum for its trip to Jupiter.
