To gradually close the distance between yourself and something or someone ahead of you.
To slowly get closer to something you are chasing.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To move closer to someone or something you are chasing or competing against.
"The pursuing frigate was gaining upon the merchant vessel with every passing hour."
The hounds were gaining upon the fox.
— Robert S. Surtees, 'Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour', 1853
To make progress relative to a rival in a competition or field.
"The challenger party was steadily gaining upon the ruling coalition in the polls."
To gain ground upon someone — to literally get physically closer.
To slowly get closer to something you are chasing.
Archaic or literary. Appears in 19th-century novels and historical narratives. Modern equivalents are 'catch up with' or 'close in on'. Also occasionally used figuratively to mean making progress relative to a competitor.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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