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

Mendoza aims to eliminate the steep learning curve for rookie quarterbacks by preparing before officially joining the team.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The learning curve for rookies is steep when they’re suddenly taking a crash course on complex NFL schemes, and that’s especially acute for quarterbacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Oseman’s shift from novelist to TV writer — and now screenwriter — came with a steep learning curve.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

There was no apprenticeship period, no learning curve.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli