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

While core plays in traditional energy will be part of the dialog and deal-making at the event, the exponential growth of India’s renewable energy sector is making waves of its own throwing up multiple business opportunities in a market that is already around $80 billion and growing. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The greatest competitive advantage will belong to leaders who can tolerate ambiguity in exchange for exponential speed. —Yasmeen Ahmad, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026

But after a period of exponential gains, Gucci’s growth began to normalize during the pandemic. —Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

The exponential growth of school choice and simultaneous decline in public school enrollment revealed a serious structural flaw in the way Florida funds education. —Don Gaetz, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026

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