Meaning & use
steep learning curve
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A situation in which you have to learn many new things quickly and with effort, usually at the start of something.
Grammar: Takes an article: it was a steep learning curve.
Patterns
- a steep learning curve
- face a steep learning curve
Starting a new job in a foreign country was a steep learning curve for her.
The software has a steep learning curve, but it is worth the effort.
Becoming a parent is a steep learning curve for everyone.
Word forms
| plural | steep learning curves |
|---|
Common combinations
- face a steep learning curve
- New nurses face a steep learning curve in their first month.
- a very steep learning curve
- The project had a very steep learning curve.
- climb a steep learning curve
- We had to climb a steep learning curve quickly.
- on a steep learning curve
- I am on a steep learning curve with this new system.
- a steep learning curve for beginners
- This game is a steep learning curve for beginners.
Synonyms and how they differ
- baptism of fire
- A baptism of fire is a harsh first experience, while steep learning curve stresses the amount of learning.
- uphill struggle
- An uphill struggle is any hard effort, not just learning.
- crash course
- A crash course is a fast, planned lesson, whereas a steep learning curve usually happens unplanned.
- sink or swim
- Sink or swim describes having to cope with no help, which is harsher than a steep learning curve.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: steep learning curve or gentle learning curve?
steep learning curve vs gentle learning curve
A gentle learning curve means something is easy to learn gradually, the opposite of steep.
Practice
My first month as a teacher was a ____ because I had to learn everything at once.
Choose one answer.
A steep learning curve means a lot of new learning in a short time. A soft landing means an easy start, which does not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “steep learning curve”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.