exponential

adjective ex·po·nen·tial \ ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-shəl \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of exponential

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

play \ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

See exponential defined for English-language learners

See exponential defined for kids

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 of exponential from the Web

Despite restaurants’ increasing appetite for delivery, NPD's Solochek is not so sure whether the exponential growth is translating into higher profits for operators given the healthy commissions — as much as 30 percent — that the platforms charge.

— lori weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Why more restaurants are jumping on the food delivery bandwagon," 11 Apr. 2018
Most companies are bound by the limits of real estate, labor, and capital and will not have exponential growth forever.

— megan geuss, Ars Technica, "Tesla pushes out 9,766 Model 3s in Q1 2018, sets ambitious Q2 goal," 3 Apr. 2018
By the early 4th century, Christians likely counted for between a quarter and a half of the population of the Roman Empire, and their exponential growth seemed likely to continue.

— george weigel, WSJ, "The Easter Effect and How It Changed the World," 30 Mar. 2018
The individual portraits are commanding, but the show has unexpected, exponential power.

— lance esplund, WSJ, "Cézanne’s Colorful Coterie," 28 Mar. 2018
But over the last century, the 44-mile stretch of river has been the site of exponential human activity.

— michigan wildlife council, Detroit Free Press, "Spotlight on the St. Clair River," 26 Mar. 2018
By taking the guesswork out of mixing and matching, the set allows for both free experimentation and exponential combination possibilities.

— The Cut, "How a Beauty Editor Layers Fragrances," 21 Mar. 2018
The 1979 Final Four is best remembered for the unprecedented television ratings to watch the Bird and Magic show and as the catalyst for exponential growth in March Madness.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Quaker oats: Penn hoops history looms large in NCAA tourney upset culture | The Kansas City Star," 14 Mar. 2018
The confidence level of the kids was at an exponential level from that point on.

— mark schmetzer, Cincinnati.com, "Glory Days: Mount Notre Dame's path to 2004 state championship started three years earlier," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exponential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of exponential

1704

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

EXPONENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners

exponential

adjective

Definition of exponential for English Language Learners

: very fast : increasingly rapid
mathematics : including or using an exponent

Medical Dictionary

exponential

adjective ex·po·nen·tial \ ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl \

medical Definition of exponential

: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function

an exponential growth rate

—

exponentially

play \-ˈnench-(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about exponential

See words that rhyme with exponential Spanish Central: Translation of exponential Nglish: Translation of exponential for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of exponential for Arabic speakers

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exponential

Definition of exponential

exponentially

Examples of exponential in a Sentence

Recent Examples of exponential from the Web

First Known Use of exponential

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

EXPONENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners

exponential

Definition of exponential for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

exponential

medical Definition of exponential

exponentially

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exponential

Definition of exponential

exponentially

Examples of exponential in a Sentence

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EXPONENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners

exponential

Definition of exponential for English Language Learners

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exponential

medical Definition of exponential

exponentially

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