<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>To get (something desired), especially as a result of one's efforts: to gain permission to enter a country.</li><li>To gain possession of an object; to gain permission to enter a country.</li><li>Synonyms: procure</li><li>Antonyms: dissuade, deter, forfeit, lose</li><li>To acquire as an increase or addition: to gain weight; to gain speed.</li><li>To obtain as a profit: He gained ten dollars by this deal.</li><li>To win; get in competition: to gain the prize.</li><li>To win (someone) to one's own side or point of view; persuade (sometimes followed by over): to gain supporters.</li><li>(Of a watch or clock) to run fast by (a specified amount): My watch gains six minutes a day.</li><li>To reach, especially by effort; get to; arrive at: to gain one's destination.</li><li>Synonyms: attain</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>To improve; make progress; advance: to gain in health after an illness.</li><li>To get nearer, as in pursuit (usually followed by on or upon): Our horse was gaining on the favorite at the far turn.</li><li>To draw away from or farther ahead of the other contestants in a race, one's pursuers, etc. (usually followed by on or upon).</li><li>(Of a watch or clock) to run fast.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Profit or advantage.</li><li>An increase or advance.</li><li>Synonyms: acquisition, increment, increase, advance, addition</li><li>Gains, profits, or winnings.</li><li>The act of gaining; acquisition.</li><li>Electronics: a measure of the increase in signal amplitude produced by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input.</li><li>The effectiveness of a directional antenna as compared with a standard, nondirectional one.</li><li>The volume control of a radio, phonograph, amplifier, etc.</li></ul>