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

“You have those games from last year, but obviously you still have a learning curve of how to play alongside one another and that’s with everybody else on the team as well,” Reaves said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

In every way, it seems too early in the engineering and learning curve to risk humans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

It's been a steep learning curve for Kaynes Semicon.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

But when more potholes open up after a soaking, there’s a painful — and at times expensive — learning curve for memorizing all the new locations, Shin said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

Now there was so much more to ask, so much more to understand, and because it was all new, she felt like she was right there on the learning curve with the engineers.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly