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

One search through artificial intelligence chatbots generates an exponential amount of 25 times more electricity than a Google search and will become the predominant energy consumer across several countries in a mere number of years. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

The exponential growth of data today from diverse sources such as social media, IoT devices and transactions necessitates robust systems for storage, management and analysis. —Naveen Singh, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

For executives seeking to avoid being blindsided by an exponential wave of change brought on by teaming AI with expansive computing power, now is the time to reflect on the implications. —Nathan Warren, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

By investing in new sources of power for these facilities, the partnership aims to create a more resilient and efficient energy ecosystem that can support the exponential growth of AI. —Dr. Ekta Dang, Forbes, 29 Oct. 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