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
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
Readers respond to the news, including grade inflation, climate change and Democrats' 2024 autopsy.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 27 May 2026
The grading recommendations were in response to a 25-page report, released last October by Dean of Undergraduate Education Amanda Claybaugh, which found that grade inflation had become a serious problem at Harvard and was undermining the key functions of a good grading system.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
At the Ivy level, rampant grade inflation has led Harvard to finalize a decision this week on a proposal capping the number of A’s per class at 20 percent.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for grade inflation
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Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
Readers respond to the news, including grade inflation, climate change and Democrats' 2024 autopsy.
—Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 27 May 2026
The grading recommendations were in response to a 25-page report, released last October by Dean of Undergraduate Education Amanda Claybaugh, which found that grade inflation had become a serious problem at Harvard and was undermining the key functions of a good grading system.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
At the Ivy level, rampant grade inflation has led Harvard to finalize a decision this week on a proposal capping the number of A’s per class at 20 percent.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for grade inflation
Cite this Entry
“Grade inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grade%20inflation. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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