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

And the chewing training continues—a tiny shift with exponential impact. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Both models are evolving under the pressure of AI's exponential demand for compute. — Daniel Keller, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Those commercial launch activities, in terms of the largest and most impactful rockets, are only at the beginning of what is likely to be an exponential growth curve. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026

That matters for new investors who are not only expecting exponential growth after the IPO but also longer-run stock performance. — Brad Badertscher, The Conversation, 11 June 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