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

Cole was solid, especially given the steep learning curve of the NFL paired with a ramshackle year for the Cardinals as a whole. — Katherine Fitzgerald, azcentral, "Competition at center? Kingsbury has yet to name Shipley or Cole the Cardinals starter," 8 June 2019 One skill flows naturally into the next, more complex skill on a relatively easy learning curve. — Dieter Bohn, The Verge, "iPadOS impressions: flexible and powerful, but is it intuitive?," 6 June 2019 But there is a learning curve to the demands of a newborn. — Ramou Sarr, Glamour, "Gabrielle Union Is ‘Not Here to Serve Hollywood’," 30 Apr. 2019 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

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

25 Jun 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