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

Strategic generosity, especially with clients and collaborators, often creates exponential returns. —Yasir Hashmi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

This lopsided investment signals a network fighting to keep up, not just with basic maintenance, but with the exponential strain of new users and devices. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025

Concord residents versus Concord growth As with most areas in the Charlotte region, Concord is experiencing exponential population growth and development. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025

Since 40-40 launched on June 19, more than 2,000 people have registered, and the increase in web traffic has been exponential, Sylvestre said. —Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 10 Aug. 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