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

Princeton and Yale are also investigating grade inflation on their campuses.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

Students say the cap treats the symptoms of grade inflation rather than the root cause.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

AI is accelerating grade inflation, research indicates, and making it harder for employers to assess new college graduates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The school has a duty to protect the value of students’ degrees by curbing grade inflation, said Amanda Claybaugh, the dean of undergraduate education.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026