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

Is my mother’s refusal of this invitation a faux pas of exponential proportions, as has been suggested? —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

Technology advances at an exponential rate (Jia’s conceit with the cameras is strengthened by his focus on the couple’s evolving relationships to cell phones and robotics), and the film’s characters age in turn. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 May 2025

Start by analyzing whether AI adds exponential value compared to conventional solutions. —Rohit Anabheri, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

The sudden revision of birthdates shortly before a conclave alters that balance—especially by adding two senior prelates from Africa, a region that has seen exponential Catholic growth but limited influence in papal elections. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 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