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Definition of gainful

gainful

/ˈɡeɪn.fəl/
gain · ful
Adverb:gainfully
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gainful Lexical Profile

gainful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving to increase wealth or resources; providing money, wages, or some other benefit (especially of employment).

Example

"The vocational training program helps graduates secure gainful employment within six months of completion."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In contemporary English, 'gainful' is almost exclusively restricted to the collocation 'gainful employment' (and its adverbial counterpart 'gainfully employed') to describe steady, paid work.

• Rhymes for gainful

• Nearby Words

gain
gainer
gainesville
gainful
gainfully
gait
gaiter

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century, formed from the noun 'gain' (from Old French 'gaaigne', meaning profit or booty) plus the native English suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gainful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gainful
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