a steep learning curve — difficult process of learning something new
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
used to describe a situation where you have to learn a lot in a short time, often because something is challenging or unfamiliar.
Say it like a native
Textbook The software entails a considerably arduous and demanding learning process.
Native The software has a steep learning curve.
The idiom is compact and natural; 'arduous and demanding learning process' is clunky.
Pattern: have/face/experience + a steep learning curve
In use
- Starting my new job was a steep learning curve, but I picked things up quickly after the first few weeks.study
- When I moved abroad for university, I faced a steep learning curve adapting to both the academic system and the culture.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It was a steep learning curve to me.
✓ It was a steep learning curve for me.
'For me', and it's a 'steep' (not 'high') learning curve.
Common collocations
a steep learning curve— a bit of, quite, there's, with
Don't confuse it
'A steep learning curve' is not the same as 'a gentle learning curve', which means something is easy to learn. This sense is figurative and does not refer to an actual curve or graph.