gain ground on

idiom

: to move faster or work harder in order to come closer to
She was trailing in the race, but she was beginning to gain ground on the leaders.
The company has been gaining ground on its competitors.

Examples of gain ground on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Modest, yes, but good enough to ensure the Sixers didn't gain ground on them in the East standings. CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026 Hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities are struggling to gain ground on a drug-resistant and deadly fungus that has infected at least 7,000 people in 2025, according to tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025 As Democrats gain ground on the heels of sweeping election wins this week, the Republican Party potentially faces heightened risks ahead of the 2026 midterms. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025 While their playoff odds remain slim, the Royals could gain ground on the Mariners (81-68) and the other teams in front of them in the American League Wild Card race. Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gain ground on

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gain ground on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gain%20ground%20on. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster