grade inflation

noun

: a rise in the average grade assigned to students

especially : the assigning of grades higher than previously assigned for given levels of achievement

Examples of grade inflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In an age of rampant grade inflation, dubious credit-recovery programs, and a general slackening of academic standards, those diplomas and grades don’t mean much—and surely don’t indicate that graduates are academically prepared for the rigor of college. —

Michael J. Petrilli, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 Because of grade inflation, many parents are also unaware that their children are behind academically. —

Anna North, Vox, 19 Sep. 2024 Some faculty brought up the spectre of student evaluations, which has been cited as a prime mover behind grade inflation and can also factor into decisions about tenure and contract renewals. —

Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2024 The Vietnam era had steeper grade inflation than any time since. —

Aden Barton, Washington Post, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for grade inflation

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of grade inflation was in 1975

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Grade inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grade%20inflation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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