grade inflation

noun

: a rise in the average grade assigned to students

especially : the assigning of grades higher than previously assigned for given levels of achievement

Examples of grade inflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pandemic learning loss, declining K–12 achievement, grade inflation, changing reading habits, artificial intelligence, and demographic shifts have all contributed. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

One sure focus is the rampant grade inflation that exaggerates student achievement and has made graduating high school close to meaningless as an indicator of college preparedness. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2026

Columbia’s statement aligns with arguments made by proponents of standardized testing, who say the SAT and ACT are valuable metrics to predict academic performance on campus and career readiness, and cut through the noise of grade inflation at some high schools. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026

The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grade inflation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration