exponential

adjective

ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-shəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
1
: of or relating to an exponent
2
: involving a variable in an exponent
10x 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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To put this exponential growth in model sizes into perspective, OpenAI’s GPT-3 LLM neural network, released in 2020, uses 175 billion parameters to process input data and generate output data. Steven Woo, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The exponential growth of sports’ popularity amongst women continues to shape not only Formula 1, but the entire global landscape with their spending power. Kanika Talwar, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024 Moreover, as demonstrated by the exponential and unforeseen explosion of AI capability in recent years, the trajectory of progress is neither linear nor predictable. Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024 Character names like Rip and Dutton have seen exponential increases in their use for newborn babies. Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exponential 

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exponential was in 1701

Dictionary Entries Near exponential

Cite this Entry

“Exponential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exponential. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

exponential

adjective
ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving an exponent
xⁿ is an exponential expression
exponentially adverb

Medical Definition

exponential

adjective
ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function
an exponential growth rate
exponentially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on exponential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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