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

Because creeping up alongside the exponential growth of IoT has been the commerce enablement of those devices. —Beth Ann Kaminkow, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

This exponential growth is driven by demand for personalized learning solutions, integration of AI, and a shift toward digital platforms in both K-12 and higher education spaces. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

The population growth has been exponential in Mooresville, going from a population of 8,600 in 1980 to almost 55,000. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2025

Some of these speedups are exponential in scale, as demonstrated by the examples above; others are less dramatic but still amount to a significant gain over classical computers. —Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exponential

• exponential function

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