steep learning curve
Hard skill acquisition
A steep learning curve describes something difficult to learn, requiring significant effort to gain proficiency: The new software has a steep learning curve.
The phrase is technically a misuse—a steep curve on a graph would show rapid learning—but the "steep climb" metaphor has overtaken the mathematical meaning.
Nearly always appears with has or involves.
- challengingHard to accomplish
- difficultRequiring much effort
- frustratingCausing irritation, blocking progress
- complexHaving many interconnected parts
- overwhelmingIntensely excessive in force
getting started · mastery · practice · struggle · beginner · novice · baby steps · trial and error · expertise · skill · patience · perseverance · confusion · breakthrough · muscle memory · plateau · aha moment · uphill
- learningclasses, instruction, studying, lesson, education
steep learning curvebeginner-friendly
Easy for newcomers
accessible · straightforward · child's play · a breeze · no-brainer
steep learning curveintuitive
Known without reasoning
self-explanatory · natural · instinctive · obvious · transparent
steep, steeply, steepness, steeper, steepest, learn, learns, learned, learnt