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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:

It’s not unusual for first-time home-buyers to face a learning curve in home maintenance, says Todd Luong, a real estate agent with Re/Max DFW Associates.

From Barron's Jun. 4, 2026

The former Conservative politician said it would be a "learning curve" for many of his new colleagues who had never been councillors before.

From BBC May 8, 2026

Transitioning to using lower-carbon materials or processes typically comes with a learning curve, said Melinda Tomaino, senior director of environment and sustainability at the Associated General Contractors of America.

From The Wall Street Journal May 8, 2026

It will be a learning curve for Leite, a 22-year-old playmaker acquired from the Valkyries in the expansion draft, and the extremely young roster.

From Los Angeles Times May 8, 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

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