gained absolutely nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained absolutely nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a complete lack of benefit or result from an action or situation. Example: "After all the effort I put into the project, I realized I gained absolutely nothing from the experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Jeremy gained absolutely nothing from what he has done, though he took a great risk to get there.

The Guardian

It was also the first time the play-offs have been won by a side from outside the top two in the regular season table, although as Saracens' director of rugby, Mark McCall, rightly stressed, the north Londoners came top in the previous two seasons and gained absolutely nothing for it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He says the college, which is understood to be considering applying for university status, would gain "absolutely nothing" by pushing ahead with its original plans.

The Guardian

A new pro-Brexit PM means acrimonious negotiations, as the leave constituency will expect bulldog truculence towards a European Union that gains absolutely nothing by playing nice.

The Guardian - Opinion

From a prosecution perspective, it is always preferable to keep a case as simple and straightforward as possible, rather than take on a heightened burden of proof that gains absolutely nothing in the end when it comes to sentencing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps some think this is fanciful or poetic, but to an immigrant like me, who, as a boy, saw Soviet tanks rolling through the streets of Austria, to someone like me who came here with absolutely nothing and gained absolutely everything, it is not fanciful to see this state as a golden dream.

Los Angeles Times

Fashion remains the coin of the realm, the only money gained for absolutely nothing but being fashionable.

The New York Times

We have absolutely everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose".

The New York Times - Sports

He has everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose, while it's the complete opposite for Marquez, who will take the title in Japan if he scores eight points more than Lorenzo.

BBC

Peapod actually buys and sells at retail price for a net gain of absolutely nothing, and NetGrocer's markup is minimal.

Forbes

We have absolutely nothing to gain – or lose – from each other, just human companionship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gained absolutely nothing" to clearly and directly state the absence of any benefit or positive outcome from a particular action, investment, or situation. It emphasizes a complete lack of gain.

Common error

While "gained absolutely nothing" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal or professional writing might sound too informal or conversational. Consider substituting with more formal alternatives such as "obtained no benefit whatsoever" or "yielded no return" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained absolutely nothing" functions as a statement indicating the absence of any positive outcome or benefit. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It often serves to emphasize the futility or lack of reward in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gained absolutely nothing" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a complete lack of benefit or positive outcome. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be considered less formal, and more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, and its purpose is to emphasize the futility or lack of reward in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved nothing at all

This alternative emphasizes the complete absence of any achievement.

obtained no benefit whatsoever

This phrase highlights the complete lack of any advantage or gain.

received no advantage

Focuses specifically on the absence of any received benefit or advantage.

derived no profit

This alternative suggests the absence of any derived profit or gain from a particular action or situation.

saw no positive result

Emphasizes the lack of a positive outcome or consequence.

yielded no return

Highlights the absence of any return or yield from an investment or effort.

ended up with nothing

Focuses on the final outcome, emphasizing the absence of any gain.

got nowhere

Suggests a lack of progress or advancement.

came away empty-handed

This idiom describes the situation of not receiving anything after some effort.

realized no gains

Focuses specifically on the absence of any realized gains or benefits.

FAQs

What does "gained absolutely nothing" mean?

The phrase "gained absolutely nothing" means that no benefit, advantage, or positive result was obtained from a particular action or situation. It indicates a complete absence of any gain.

How can I use "gained absolutely nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "gained absolutely nothing" to express that someone or something did not receive any benefits from an action or situation. For example: "After all the effort I put into the project, I realized I "gained absolutely nothing" from the experience."

What are some alternatives to "gained absolutely nothing"?

Some alternatives to "gained absolutely nothing" include "achieved nothing at all", "obtained no benefit whatsoever", or "received no advantage".

Is "gained absolutely nothing" suitable for formal writing?

While "gained absolutely nothing" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "yielded no return" or "derived no profit" for a more professional tone.