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

"The early days were not easy. There were disease outbreaks, inconsistent yields, and the steep learning curve that comes with managing living systems," she remembers.

From BBC • 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

It's been a steep learning curve for Kaynes Semicon.

From BBC • Jan. 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