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.

---

learning curve British  

noun

1. a graphical representation of progress in learning

   I'm still only half way up the learning curve

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

learning curve

She describes her first foray into bookselling as a "steep learning curve", but says she is having "lots of fun along the way".

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

“That was a learning curve for that guy,” Lynn said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

But she also faced a steep learning curve as a first-time candidate.

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026

After a mediocre launch last month, the analysts reckon that gamers’ biggest complaints include a steep learning curve at first, substantial time required for gameplay and not enough in-game rewards.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

It was the beginning of my learning curve on Haiti.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---