What does "gain on" mean (sense 1)?

To gradually reduce the distance between yourself and someone or something in a race, chase, or pursuit. Example: "The chasing pack was gaining on the leader with two laps still to go."

What does "gain on" mean (sense 2)?

To make progress relative to a competitor or rival in a non-physical context such as business, sport standings, or debate. Example: "The smaller brand is gaining on the market leader by targeting younger consumers."

What does "gain on" mean (sense 3)?

Of something threatening or unstoppable: to get closer and closer to someone who is trying to escape. Example: "She kept running, but she could hear the footsteps gaining on her."

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gain on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To gradually reduce the distance between yourself and someone or something ahead of you; to make progress relative to a competitor.

In plain English

To get closer to someone or something that is ahead of you.

What does "gain on" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

very common

To gradually reduce the distance between yourself and someone or something in a race, chase, or pursuit.

"The chasing pack was gaining on the leader with two laps still to go."

inseparable

2 B1 neutral

common

To make progress relative to a competitor or rival in a non-physical context such as business, sport standings, or debate.

"The smaller brand is gaining on the market leader by targeting younger consumers."

inseparable

3 B1 neutral

common

Of something threatening or unstoppable: to get closer and closer to someone who is trying to escape.

"She kept running, but she could hear the footsteps gaining on her."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To gain (make progress) on top of or against someone ahead.

Actually means

To get closer to someone or something that is ahead of you.

Usage tip

Always requires an object. Used both literally (in physical chases or races) and figuratively (in business, competition, or arguments). Very common in sports commentary and competitive contexts. Suggests a dynamic process that may or may not result in overtaking.

Words that pair with "gain on"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

the leader rivals the car ahead the competition ground the pack

How to conjugate "gain on"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

gain on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

gains on

he/she/it

Past simple

gained on

yesterday

Past participle

gained on

have + pp

-ing form

gaining on

continuous

Hear "gain on" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "gain on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "gain on"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

advance on approach catch up with close in on draw closer to narrow the gap

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "gain" All phrasal verbs with "on" More B1-level phrasal verbs