learning curve

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 No need to up the learning curve from the start, after all. — L.j. Kilgore, Ars Technica, "How to move your role-playing game nights online," 28 June 2020 As the pandemic progressed, San Antonio’s health care workers overcame a steep learning curve with COVID-19. — Lauren Caruba, ExpressNews.com, "Here’s what San Antonio doctors have learned about treating COVID-19," 19 June 2020 Navigating the nation with a trailer in tow takes some planning, but the learning curve should not scare travelers from wheeling away. — Stephen Starr, National Geographic, "Vacationing by RV this summer? Here’s what you need to know," 18 June 2020 Still, Seriale had a learning curve like everyone else. — Georgann Yara, azcentral, "Joe’s Diner owner traded the 5-star restaurant world for one that feels like home," 18 June 2020 Of the incoming freshmen who will endure that learning curve, Johnson looks like a leading candidate to be the most equipped. — Carter Karels, The Indianapolis Star, "How an incoming Notre Dame receiver can be a low-key 5-star recruit," 16 June 2020 The summer rubber is more in keeping with the AMG character, pricier and less practical than the regular GLC, the learning curve on the new infotainment system. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe Proves to be Fun If Odd-Looking," 11 June 2020 Adjusting to life over the past few months offered an unforeseen learning curve for all. — Georgann Yara, azcentral, "The Fixture Zone swivels business model to supply PPE to retailers, manufacturing plants and more," 11 June 2020 Online learning itself is a learning curve for him, which adds to the frustration of missing his friends. — Lydia Belanger, Fortune, "Escaping ‘Zoom fatigue’ is surprisingly complicated," 7 June 2020

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

2 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Learning curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning%20curve. Accessed 3 Jul. 2020.

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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