exponentially

American  

[ek-spoh-nen-shuh-lee, ‐spuh‐] / ˌɛk spoʊˈnɛn ʃə li, ‐spə‐ /

adverb

1. at a steady, rapid rate.

   The cost of a college education has increased exponentially over the last 30 years.

2. Mathematics. at a continuous rate of growth or decay that can be calculated using the constant e, according to the rules of raising e to the power of a positive or negative exponent.

   Any population growing exponentially must, sooner or later, encounter shortages of resources.

   The measurable rate at which a radioactive nuclide’s atoms decay exponentially is the basis of radiometric dating.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexponentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of exponentially

exponential ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“Energy markets are inherently global, and there is no possibility of insulating the U.S. from the economic damage that is already occurring and will become exponentially worse if the closure of the strait continues.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Protect Democracy formed in 2016 and has expanded exponentially since.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

As the number of variables grows, the complexity of the calculations increases exponentially.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

Saueressig said SAP, which makes a wide range of business software, had seen "exponentially increased demand" for products that guarantee "digital sovereignty".

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

Directly in his field of view, the Hab canvas patch flapped violently as the ship exponentially gained speed.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir