NYT Dictionary
GAINFUL
/ˈɡeɪnfəl/AdjectiveGAIN-fulgain-ful · 2 syllablesGrade 6
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
Contrary.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
From gain (“against, contrary”) + -ful.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
disadvantageousfruitlessgainlessimprofitableloss-makingnonlucrativenonpayingungainfulunlucrativeunprofitable
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: