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

Going out and playing for three points was a real learning curve for me and it definitely helped me.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

But when the chain enters new markets, there can be a learning curve for consumers new to the concept, Moran said, so opening stores in clusters may help word spread.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“It’s a learning curve for him,” Musselman said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

“It would just be quite the learning curve for really big city people to try and write content that’s relatable to them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

It was the beginning of my learning curve on Haiti.

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