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

Saab, whose products range from Gripen fighter jets and submarines to missiles and advanced electronics, has seen exponential order growth since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Stablecoins have changed how people think about moving money, and their exponential rise over the past year has pushed mainstream payment networks to figure out how to adapt. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Global demand for liquified natural gas is surging, primarily driven by the exponential growth of artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centers, which renewable energy sources cannot fully power. — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Almost two decades later, Calderon’s prediction continues its exponential decay. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exponential

• exponential function

Rhymes for exponential

• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• referential
• residential

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