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

Explanation

Use exponentially when you want to say that something's increasing quickly by large amounts. Your friends and colleagues will be pleased to hear that your vocabulary is growing exponentially. The root of exponentially is the French verb exponere, meaning “to put out.” Think of a factory that puts out so many products its creations seem to increase exponentially. The mathematical origin of this word has to do with multiplying a number by itself so think also of rabbits, who are known for multiplying exponentially. Now imagine if rabbits worked in a factory... (No animals were harmed during this explanation).

Example Sentences

But, he cautions, this time is still "exponentially harder".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The general consensus is that if we really want to put people on Mars someday, which will be exponentially more difficult, we have to start with the moon.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

“In rural counties with lower populations, losing even one provider can exponentially impact the access to services to families,” Turnipseed said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

In 2024, prices for cocoa futures trading on the Intercontinental Exchange rose exponentially, going from around $4,200 a metric ton to start to year to peaking at more than $12,000 a ton by December.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 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