idiom · neutral

a steep learning curve

UK/ə stiːp ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/US/ə stiːp ˈlɝnɪŋ kɝv/a·STEEP·learn·ing·CURVE

speakingtask2

a situation where someone must learn a lot quickly, often involving initial difficulty

Examples

“Starting the job was tough because there was a steep learning curve.”

“The new system has a steep learning curve for older employees.”

“Expect a steep learning curve when you switch fields.”

Band 8 sentence

“Adopting the new methodology involved a steep learning curve, yet the team adapted within weeks.”

Collocations

  • face a steep learning curve
  • have a steep learning curve

Word family

a steep learning curve idiomsteep learning curves noun (plural)

Common mistakes

There is steep learning curve in this course.→There is a steep learning curve in this course.

Say it for a higher band

5difficult to learn→6hard to pick up→7+a steep learning curve

Synonyms

initial difficulty

Easily confused

hard to learn

“That topic is really hard to learn at first.”

Related words

keep up withcatch up (on)know something inside outhit the booksburn the midnight oilput one's nose to the grindstonebe snowed under (with)cram for

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