Here the discussion is about a photo editing software and you are going into the semantics of language. In common parlance, steep learning curve means tough to master. that’s it.

Or it could be time on the y-axis and learning on the y-axis. As more time goes on, (higher y-values), the learning hasn’t increased as quickly, so the x-values don’t change as much. Going back to the slope formula, that makes a larger delta-y value than delta-x value, or a steep slope.

That does sound odd, Steve. Unless you’re using a 100+ megapixel camera and building 1:1 previews on a slow computer, 60 images should import into Lr in less than 5 minutes for sure.

You’re both kind of correct. A steep learning curve means that in order to really be able to do any useful work with the software, it takes a lot of initial learning. Once it’s learned, you’re knowledge starts to plateau; you can slowly learn more tips and tricks, but overall you’ll understand it. In contrast if something has a shallow curve, you can get up and running immediately. You’ll very slowly uncover more knowledge about how to use it. It will take longer for your knowledge to increase to the level that allows the software to be as powerful as the software with a steep learning curve. So I think what the article is saying is that since LR has a steep learning curve, it will take new users quite a while before they can do even basic tasks with it.

well, in everyday usage a steep learning curve means that you will be having a long time learning stuff bc apparently people are thinking that you’re climbing a mountain so a steep one would be hard to climb. language is stupid i know.