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 quad-meet experience was a learning curve, Alipio said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

In every way, it seems too early in the engineering and learning curve to risk humans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

But when more potholes open up after a soaking, there’s a painful — and at times expensive — learning curve for memorizing all the new locations, Shin said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

So the engineers, who knew more about flying vehicles than any others, began scaling the next learning curve.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly