grade inflation

American  

noun

Education.

1. the awarding of higher grades than students deserve either to maintain a school's academic reputation or as a result of diminished teacher expectations.

2. a rise in the average grade given to students.

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grade inflation British  

noun

1. an apparently continual increase in numbers of students attaining high examination grades, or the practice of awarding grades in this way

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Etymology

Origin of grade inflation

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

With the pervasive grade inflation in colleges, many young teachers may themselves have only fifth-grade math skills.

From The Wall Street Journal

This suggests rampant grade inflation in high schools.

From The Wall Street Journal

A new report looks at grade inflation, a problem that is proliferating far beyond the Ivy League.

From The Wall Street Journal

New faculty reported surprise at how lenient grading is, and nearly all expressed “serious concern” about grade inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The report includes recommendations to curb grade inflation and restore rigor.

From The Wall Street Journal