costly learning experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "costly learning experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone learns a valuable lesson, but at a significant cost, whether financial, emotional, or otherwise. Example: "Although the project failed, it turned out to be a costly learning experience that taught us important lessons for future endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A costly learning experience; for two years she wasn't able to pay herself.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Chalk it up to a learning experience: too much debt, even in a low interest rate environment, can be costly.

The New York Times

Great learning experience, great experience for him".

The New York Times - Sports

It was certainly a learning experience.

Independent

Each occupation is a learning experience".

The New York Times

It was an amazing learning experience.

The New York Times

"It was a great learning experience".

The New York Times

"Believe me, it was a learning experience".

The New York Times

"It's a learning experience," he said.

The New York Times

"It was a learning experience," Drew said.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was such a learning experience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "costly learning experience", specify the type of cost involved (financial, emotional, time-related) to provide context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "costly learning experience" too frequently in formal reports or business communications; opt for more professional alternatives such as "significant setback" or "area for improvement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "costly learning experience" functions as a noun phrase that describes an event or situation. It characterizes the experience as one where significant costs were incurred in the process of learning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "costly learning experience" describes a situation where valuable lessons are learned through mistakes or failures that have significant negative consequences. Ludwig AI validates the phrase as usable in English, although its frequency is rare. It is appropriate in neutral contexts, such as news or general discussions. When using the phrase, it's helpful to specify the type of cost involved to add clarity and impact. Alternatives include "expensive lesson" or "bitter lesson", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of overuse in formal settings, where more professional language might be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expensive lesson

Focuses on the monetary or resource-intensive aspect of the learning.

pricey educational experience

Similar to "expensive lesson" but emphasizes the educational context.

hard-won wisdom

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in acquiring the knowledge.

bitter lesson

Highlights the negative emotional experience associated with the learning.

painful education

Stresses the discomfort or suffering endured during the learning process.

dear-bought knowledge

An archaic phrase, indicating that the knowledge was acquired at a high price.

unpleasant awakening

Suggests a sudden realization gained through a negative experience.

tough lesson to learn

Highlights the difficulty in understanding and accepting the lesson.

lesson learned the hard way

Implies that easier methods of learning were not utilized, leading to hardship.

severe learning curve

Emphasizes the difficulty and steepness of the learning process.

FAQs

How can I use "costly learning experience" in a sentence?

You can use "costly learning experience" to describe a situation where a mistake or failure led to a valuable lesson but also resulted in significant negative consequences. For instance, "Although the project failed, it turned out to be a "costly learning experience" that taught us important lessons for future endeavors."

What are some alternatives to "costly learning experience"?

Alternatives include "expensive lesson", "hard-won wisdom", or "bitter lesson", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "costly learning experience" a formal or informal expression?

"Costly learning experience" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal settings, it may be preferable to use a more neutral alternative like "area for improvement".

What makes a learning experience "costly"?

A learning experience can be considered "costly" if it involves significant financial losses, wasted time and resources, emotional distress, or damage to reputation. The "cost" is not always monetary; it can also refer to other negative consequences.