learner

learner — noun

1. Someone in the process of learning a skill, a subject, or a way of doing somethi

1.nounB1
Definition

Someone in the process of learning a skill, a subject, or a way of doing something — for example, learning how to cook, how to speak a foreign language, or how to drive a car.

Example

Feng is a quick learner and mastered the new software in just two days.

collocation: quick learner / fast learner

The language learner practices speaking English with a tutor every weekend.

compound noun: language learner

Common collocations
  • quick learner
  • fast learner
  • slow learner
  • language learner
  • lifelong learner
  • learner driver
  • learner (driving) permit
Synonyms
  • student

    More formal; implies enrolment in a school or course. Learner can be self-taught.

  • beginner

    Refers specifically to someone at the very start. Learner can be at any stage.

  • trainee

    Used in workplace contexts; implies formal on-the-job training.

Antonyms
  • expert

    Someone with advanced knowledge or skill in a field.

  • master

    Someone who has achieved a very high level of skill.

Grammar Patterns

learner + of + noun phrase

adjective + learner

noun + learner (compound)

Usage Note

When used before another noun (e.g. learner driver, learner permit), the compound usually refers to someone learning to drive. Machine learner is rare; the fixed compound is machine learning (uncountable noun).

Common Mistakes

I am a learner of the piano for five years.
I have been learning the piano for five years.
Learner focuses on the current state of study, not the duration of the process. Use the verb learn with a time expression for duration.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Learner is the broadest term — it covers anyone engaged in the process of learning, whether in a classroom, on their own, or in a workplace. Student implies formal enrolment at a school or university. Beginner focuses on the earliest stage of learning, whereas learner can be used at any stage (an advanced learner is fine; an advanced beginner is contradictory). Trainee is restricted to job-related training with a structured programme. Apprentice combines learning with a trade and a legal or contractual relationship with a skilled worker. In daily use: 'She is a fast learner' can describe someone picking up a hobby, whereas 'She is a fast student' sounds odd outside a school setting.

student ↗beginner ↗traineeapprentice

Common collocations

Phrases

  • quick learner
  • fast learner
  • slow learner
  • language learner
  • lifelong learner
  • learner driver
  • learner permit

Prepositions

  • learner of

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Learner comes from the Old English word leornian, meaning 'to learn' or 'to study', plus the agent suffix -er, which turns a verb into a noun meaning 'a person who does that action'. The word has been used in English since before the 12th century.