learning curve

American  

noun

1. Education. a graphic representation of progress in learning measured against the time required to achieve mastery.

2. the process of learning upon which such a representation is based.

   Her new job has a steep learning curve.

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learning curve British  

noun

1. a graphical representation of progress in learning

   I'm still only half way up the learning curve

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Example Sentences

More challenging has been the Hollywood learning curve, particularly that of American television.

From Los Angeles Times

“Like I was, we were a team put together. Definitely a big learning curve, but we did learn.”

From Washington Post

Schlenzka described her time with Performance Space New York as “a huge learning curve — about institutions and art and how they can work together and how they cannot.”

From New York Times

Or, if the families have moved here from another country, they often confront a learning curve for the differences in school policies, practices and culture.

From Seattle Times

However, it is also first and foremost a role-playing game for the patient player with a sheer learning curve and is best enjoyed by a gamer, well-researched in its mechanics and complex universe.

From Washington Times