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

This exponential growth enables feral populations to establish and expand rapidly, especially in areas with abundant food and minimal predation. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

There’s an exponential opportunity for everything to go wrong. —Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024

However, scientific research is also on an exponential curve. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Its unauthorized, unanticipated, and exponential growth has proceeded apace these many years for several reasons, but conspicuous among them is this one: the failure of the Congress to do its job. —Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024

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