exponential

adjective

ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-shəl 

1

: of or relating to an exponent

2

: involving a variable in an exponent

10^x is an exponential expression

3

: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function

especially : characterized by or being an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent)

an exponential growth rate

exponentially

ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of exponential in a Sentence

The business has experienced several years of exponential growth.

Prices have increased at an exponential rate.

10³ is an exponential expression.

Recent Examples on the Web

Data is the new currency of the modern organization, and its exponential growth shows no signs of slowing down. —Chhandomay Mandal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Infielder Donovan Solano, a dangerous hitter against a wide variety of pitchers, outperformed his tiny salary at an exponential rate. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

What vibe marketing adds is a framework to harness this automation not just for efficiency, but for exponential growth. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

The next mayor will need to work well with others while also representing the best interests of village residents, balancing the existing demands of running a popular suburb while preparing for the possibility of exponential growth if a deal with the Bears goes through. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exponential

• exponential function

Rhymes for exponential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• referential

Kids Definition

exponential

adjective

ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl 

: of, relating to, or involving an exponent

xⁿ is an exponential expression

exponentially

-ˈnench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

exponential

adjective

ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl 

: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function

an exponential growth rate

exponentially

-ˈnench-(ə-)lē 

adverb