adjective
Uncommon
exponential
ehk-spuh-NEHN-chuhl
Exponential (adjective) means growing (or shrinking) at a rate that keeps multiplying, so change speeds up dramatically over time. Example: “The app saw exponential growth once it went viral.”
adjective
1
Growing (or shrinking) at a rate that keeps multiplying, so change speeds up dramatically over time.
"The app saw exponential growth once it went viral."
"Bacteria can multiply at an exponential rate under the right conditions."
2
Expressed using an exponent, or power, of a number.
"The equation uses exponential notation to represent very large numbers."
How to use exponential
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIncreasing (or decreasing) faster and faster, rather than at a steady pace.
Common mistake
People often use "exponential" loosely to just mean "very fast" or "huge" — in maths it specifically means growth that compounds on itself.
Common pairings
exponential growth
exponential increase
exponential decay
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Word forms
- Plural
- exponentials
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The app saw _____ growth once it went viral.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for exponential
See all rhymes for exponential →Frequently asked questions
What does “exponential” mean?
The word “exponential” means growing (or shrinking) at a rate that keeps multiplying, so change speeds up dramatically over time. In plain terms, increasing (or decreasing) faster and faster, rather than at a steady pace.
How do you pronounce “exponential”?
“Exponential” is pronounced ehk-spuh-NEHN-chuhl (/ˌɛk.spəˈnɛn.t͡ʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “exponential” in a sentence?
Here is “exponential” used in a sentence: “The app saw exponential growth once it went viral.”
What is the opposite of “exponential”?
The opposite of “exponential” — its antonyms — is nonexponential.
What part of speech is “exponential”?
“Exponential” is an adjective.
Is “exponential” a common word?
“Exponential” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “exponential” have?
“Exponential” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: growing (or shrinking) at a rate that keeps multiplying, so change speeds up dramatically over time.
