gainful

[geyn-fuhl] / ˈgeɪn fəl /

ADJECTIVE

very productive, profitable

Synonyms

WEAK

advantageous beneficial fat fruitful generous going going concern good in the black lucrative lush moneymaking paid off paying remunerative rewarding rich satisfying substantial sweet useful well-paying worthwhile

Antonyms

WEAK

disadvantageous unproductive unprofitable useless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pivoting was her “best chance at obtaining gainful employment,” she added.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

“I think the history of technology innovation is that people have re-skilled and have found gainful employment in other aspects of the economy,” said Joe Baratta, global head of Blackstone’s private-equity business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 27, 2025

The few companies which offer deportees gainful employment have become even more important to avoid a slide into criminality.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

The bad news was that I had absolutely no idea how to find gainful employment.

From Salon • May 27, 2024

I miss work, but I also miss what work meant to me in my last year of gainful employment, when I met Tom.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Vocabulary lists containing gainful

The Bluest Eye

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Because They Marched

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Sadie

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!