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

---

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

What was the learning curve of playing this beloved fictional couple and navigating the fandom?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

It was the beginning of my learning curve on Haiti.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French