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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.

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

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

Now there was so much more to ask, so much more to understand, and because it was all new, she felt like she was right there on the learning curve with the engineers.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly