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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:

Moreover, EGS costs “have fallen rapidly as drilling performance improves, following a learning curve reminiscent of early shale development.”

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

Rushing went through a learning curve juggling his defensive and offensive responsibilities, and navigating intense online scrutiny of his outbursts on the field and in the dugout.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

She describes her first foray into bookselling as a "steep learning curve", but says she is having "lots of fun along the way".

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

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

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 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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