grade inflation

noun

, Education.

1. the awarding of higher grades than students deserve either to maintain a school's academic reputation or as a result of diminished teacher expectations.
2. a rise in the average grade given to students.

grade inflation

noun

1. an apparently continual increase in numbers of students attaining high examination grades, or the practice of awarding grades in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of grade inflation¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Education Department pressuring colleges to improve graduation rates, it should be no surprise that grade inflation has followed students into postsecondary school.

From Los Angeles Times

There is a possible benefit to college grade inflation: Lowered standards are associated with more students graduating.

From Los Angeles Times

But grade inflation marches on.

From Los Angeles Times

Not to pick on L.A. schools or students: Grade inflation is omnipresent and more common in affluent areas.

From Los Angeles Times

Others have said it’s harder to assess an applicant’s readiness for college work without standardized testing — especially because many educators have reported significant grade inflation since the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times