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

Malzahn has stressed the importance of Auburn being good at every position around Nix, because freshmen are bound to make mistakes and there will be a learning curve. — Tom Green | [email protected], al, "Freshman Orientation: Auburn’s Bo Nix the latest in trend of true freshman starting quarterbacks," 26 Aug. 2019 Media Molecule's tools are so powerful there's a steep learning curve; the game comes with hours of instructional videos. — Wired, "Building Virtual Worlds Is a New Form of Self-Expression," 20 Aug. 2019 This is a learning curve, and there is always a period of adjustment that takes place with any test in order to find the right parameters around a test. — Ryan Nilsson, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago-area baseball players along for the ride as Atlantic League tests new rules: ‘The whole point is to get it right.’," 3 Aug. 2019 As someone who’s not accustomed to this, there was definitely a learning curve to typing comfortably and quickly. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "LG Gram 17 review: as ultra-portable as 17 inches can get," 11 July 2019 There likely won’t be much of a learning curve for Henderson as far as getting familiar with the system. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, "De’Angelo Henderson to potential employer: ‘Sorry, I just got signed by the Vikings’," 26 July 2019 Billings Noble: There’s a big learning curve — both professionally and emotionally. — Sarah Menkedick, Longreads, "The First Book," 24 July 2019 Every other team has a learning curve in front of it as new pieces adjust to old parts. — Mike Singer, The Denver Post, "Clippers’ seismic Kawhi Leonard move shakes NBA, but Nuggets believe in their foundation," 6 July 2019 How much of a learning curve there is will go a long way toward determining how much simpler all this may turn out to be. — Edward Baig, USA TODAY, "Where's my Apple Music and your other WWDC questions answered," 6 June 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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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

English Language Learners Definition of learning curve

: the rate at which someone learns something new : the course of progress made in learning something

See the full definition for learning curve in the English Language Learners Dictionary

learning curve

Definition of learning curve

Examples of learning curve in a Sentence

First Known Use of learning curve

Financial Definition of learning curve

English Language Learners Definition of learning curve

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