learning curve

noun

Definition of learning curve

1 : a curve plotting performance against practice especially : one graphing decline in unit costs with cumulative output

2 : the course of progress made in learning something

Examples of learning curve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those considering constructing a country escape, there’s a steep learning curve. — Jeff Layton, The Seattle Times, "How to build a Pacific Northwest vacation home," 29 Mar. 2019 The president, on a steep learning curve, has started backpedaling on a big bang and talking about process, and Bolton has been curbed (for now). — Trudy Rubin, Philly.com, "Trump-Kim summit: What to watch for when they meet in Singapore | Trudy Rubin," 6 June 2018 There's a steep learning curve, however, involving premature aging and an unexpected battle between nature and nurture. — Gary Goldstein, latimes.com, "Cloning comedy 'Andover' clumsily attempts to replicate love," 1 May 2018 Torrens, a Rule 5 draftee, showed some defensive aptitude but predictably experienced a steep learning curve. — Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres spring training primer: Catchers," 5 Feb. 2018 That doesn't mean that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex won't have a learning curve, as all new parents do. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Prince Harry Clears the Room to Comfort 15-Year-Old Boy Who Lost His Dad," 1 Feb. 2019 Some of the learning curve for quarterbacks has already been flattened. — Brian Costa, WSJ, "Clemson, Notre Dame and the Year of the Quarterback Change," 28 Dec. 2018 The learning curve is steep with the Germans; Audi is easiest, then Mercedes-Benz, then BMW and Porsche. — Robert Duffer, chicagotribune.com, "2017 Porsche Panamera is quick and nice for a steep steep price," 18 Sep. 2017 Today is the next step in a steep learning curve for Meghan, who has had a fast track introduction to royal duty since marrying into the royal family on May 19. — Katie Nicholl, Vanities, "Meghan Markle Joins the Queen For Her First Royal Outing Without Harry," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'learning curve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

18 Apr 2019

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The first known use of learning curve was in 1922

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More Definitions for learning curve

learning curve

noun

Financial Definition of learning curve

What It Is

A learning curve is the time it takes to master a concept. It is more of an idea than a chart or other visual representation of learning.

How It Works

For example, piloting a 777 has a steep learning curve -- you can't just walk in off the street and learn how to do it in 10 minutes. It takes months if not years of training and simulation before one can be considered a master of the concept of flying and landing a 777.

Why It Matters

In the business world, learning curves cost money and they create competitive advantages. If a company is training employees how to pilot 777s, for example, the training time costs a lot. However, if the company becomes the only one to have employees who know how to pilot 777s, it has used the learning curve to create a competitive advantage.

In many cases, a graphical representation of the learning curve shows what many experience in the real world -- initial concepts are easy to pick up, but the long-term detail involved in mastering the concept takes years to acquire.

Source: Investing Answers

learning curve

noun