Learning vs. Learnings: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills, whereas learnings refer to the lessons or insights gained through experience or study.
Key Differences
Learning and learnings, though closely related, serve different contextual purposes. Learning is a singular, uncountable noun and a continuous process, denoting the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, or competencies from experience, study, or teaching. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of absorbing and understanding new information. In contrast, learnings is a plural noun, often used to refer to specific pieces of knowledge, insights, or lessons obtained from experiences or situations.
Learning, as a concept, underscores an individual’s or a system’s progression in understanding and applying new information. It can occur consciously through study or instruction or subconsciously through exposure and interaction. Learning can be a lifelong journey, enhancing one’s abilities and perceptions. However, learnings are tangible or intangible takeaways, the specific realizations, or understandings drawn from individual instances of learning, providing clarity or enlightenment on a particular subject or experience.
While learning is omnipresent, occurring in various environments like schools, workplaces, or social settings, and is often associated with formal education, learnings are more sporadic, stemming from singular events, reflections, or assessments. Learning can be theoretical or practical, formal or informal, but learnings are usually the practical insights or knowledge derived from specific learning experiences, acting as building blocks for further learning.
The term learning can be used to describe a multifaceted, dynamic process involving cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences. It is often measurable through assessments, observations, and reflections, determining the depth and breadth of understanding acquired. On the other hand, learnings are the reflections and revelations stemming from learning endeavors, and they are often shared as anecdotes, advice, or observations to convey specific insights or wisdom gained.
In essence, learning represents the holistic, ongoing journey of acquiring knowledge or skills, adaptable and enduring, fostering growth and development. Learnings, however, are the individual nuggets of wisdom or understanding gleaned from this journey, offering specific perspectives, solutions, or reflections that contribute to the overall learning process.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Use
Singular, uncountable noun representing a continuous process.
Plural noun representing individual pieces of knowledge or insights.
Context of Usage
Used to refer to the overall process or experience of gaining knowledge.
Refers to specific lessons or insights gained from experiences.
Nature
Continuous and ongoing.
Specific and situational.
Measurability
Can be measured through assessments, observations, and reflections.
Usually shared as anecdotes, advice, or observations.
Association
Often associated with formal education and structured environments.
Associated with insights and lessons from specific experiences.
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Learning and Learnings Definitions
Learning
Learning is the process of gaining knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching.
Online platforms have made learning more accessible to people around the world.
Learnings
Learnings represent the practical insights or understandings derived from specific instances of learning.
The learnings from the case study helped us in developing a new strategy.
Learning
Learning is the act of acquiring new, or modifying existing, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences.
Learning a new language can be challenging but rewarding.
Learnings
Learnings are the specific pieces of information or insights gained from experiences.
His learnings from years of research were documented in his book.
Learning
Learning involves the processing and assimilation of new information.
Learning to play a musical instrument requires patience and practice.
Learnings
Learnings refer to the knowledge or skills one gains as a result of learning processes.
We shared our learnings from the workshop with the rest of the department.
Learning
Learning is the ongoing journey of understanding and applying information, skills, and values.
Lifelong learning is crucial for personal and professional development.
Learnings
Learnings are the reflections or realizations drawn from individual learning experiences.
The seminar provided several key learnings about sustainable practices.
Learning
Learning is a cognitive process that leads to the modification of behavior or the acquisition of new abilities.
Learning to adapt to new environments is a valuable life skill.
Learnings
Learnings are the lessons or insights acquired from specific experiences or studies.
The learnings from the project were invaluable for the team.
Learning
The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill.
Learnings
(proscribed) learning
Learning
Knowledge or skill gained through schooling or study.
Learning
(Psychology) Changes in behavior resulting from experience, especially changes due to conditioning.
Learning
(uncountable) An act in which something is learned.
Learning
(uncountable) Accumulated knowledge.
The department head was also a scholar of great learning.
Learning
(countable) Something that has been learned
Learning
Present participle of learn
I'm learning to ride a unicycle.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy.
Learning
The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning.
Learning
The cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge;
The child's acquisition of language
Learning
Profound scholarly knowledge
FAQs
Is Learning measurable?
Learning is often measurable through assessments, observations, and reflections.
Is Learning always intentional?
No, learning can occur both intentionally and unintentionally through various experiences.
Can Learning occur at any age?
Yes, learning can occur at any age and is a lifelong process.
Can Learnings be shared?
Absolutely, learnings are often shared to convey insights, knowledge, or lessons gained from experiences.
Does Learning always lead to behavior change?
Learning can lead to behavior change, but it is not guaranteed as it may depend on various factors.
Are Learnings applicable in different contexts?
Learnings can be applicable in different contexts but may need adaptation depending on the situation.
Is Learning a conscious process?
Learning can be both a conscious and a subconscious process.
Are Learnings the same as lessons learned?
Yes, learnings often refer to the lessons or insights gained from specific experiences or studies.
Are Learnings always positive?
No, learnings can be positive or negative, providing insights into what works and what doesn’t.
Can Learning be formal and informal?
Absolutely, learning can occur in both formal educational settings and informal everyday experiences.
Is Learning a lifelong process?
Yes, learning is a continuous and lifelong process of acquiring new knowledge and skills.
Can Learnings be documented?
Yes, learnings can and often are documented for future reference and sharing.
Are Learnings subjective?
Learnings can be subjective as they are based on individual experiences and perceptions.
Does Learning involve memory?
Yes, learning involves the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information in memory.
Can Learnings be generalized?
Some learnings can be generalized, but others might be specific to certain situations or individuals.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
