Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for learning curve. Search instead for learning setup.

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Parents often face a steep, expensive learning curve when navigating youth sports with older children, overscheduling them and committing developmental mistakes.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 2, 2026

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

From Slate Aug. 26, 2026

Many experienced homeowners will know there’s a steep learning curve that can include financial surprises.

From MarketWatch Aug. 15, 2026

Wallace said he had always been a keen photographer and had been on a learning curve with the tech involved in capturing outer space, including galaxies and nebula.

From BBC Aug. 13, 2026

It wasn’t the kind of place that would exhibit particular patience for anyone, male or female, who took too long to scale the learning curve.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training