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

At the same time, EV adoption has lagged the exponential growth policymakers say is needed to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the foreseeable future. —Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 16 July 2024

Scaling is another issue, the underpinning math of deep learning suggests that linear improvements in output require exponential increases in input. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 July 2024

The live streaming industry has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024

Woodcraft Rangers, which partners with LAUSD as well as other districts and charter schools across L.A. County, has seen exponential growth because of the funding, expanding from a few hundred participants in 2018 up to 5,000 students this summer, according to Chief Executive Julee Brooks. —Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 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