grade inflation

American  

noun

Education.

1. the awarding of higher grades than students deserve either to maintain a school's academic reputation or as a result of diminished teacher expectations.

2. a rise in the average grade given to students.

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grade inflation British  

noun

1. an apparently continual increase in numbers of students attaining high examination grades, or the practice of awarding grades in this way

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Etymology

Origin of grade inflation

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

A corollary concern is that grade inflation and other factors appear to be weakening the validity of this measure statewide.

From Los Angeles Times

An acquaintance, a tenured professor at UC Berkeley, describes grade inflation thus: “If I am rated as a hard grader, no one will take my course. And if no one takes my course, I won’t have a job.”

From The Wall Street Journal

If grade inflation is a genuine problem, it is more troubling where grades obscure weak preparation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like other forms of inflation, grade inflation ultimately means exaggeration—and neither in the marketplace, nor in the classroom, is exaggeration a good thing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Appeared in the December 12, 2025, print edition as 'The Economic Roots of Grade Inflation'.

From The Wall Street Journal