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

This, advocates for collaboration argue, is the path toward achieving exponential impact within a contemporary business environment. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Each new generation of traditional processors now is able to deliver more compute, but only at an exponential increase in energy consumption. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

Since this layer of new media and content creation is so new, the best and brightest from around the world gathering to share insights and learning is an important community layer that will lead to an exponential shift. —Caitlin White, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

One indicator favored by Hirsch called the Moving Average Convergence Divergence, or MACD, shows the relationship between the 12-period and 26-period exponential moving averages. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026

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