exponentially

[ ek-spoh-nen-shuh-lee, ‐spuh‐ ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·ex·po·nen·tial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of exponentially¹

exponential ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Last Oscar season, Christopher Nolan proved that Academy voters can and will award their top trophy to a major hit: “Oppenheimer,” the director’s moody biopic about the scientist who developed the atomic bomb, ranks as the third highest grossing best picture winner, exponentially more successful at the box office than its recent predecessors.

From Los Angeles Times

“We do expect that number to go up exponentially,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s exponentially harder for me now. I can’t dance the way I used to and my best scampering days may be behind me. I’ve had to assess whether or not I could realistically convey this character’s energy and vitality, and really do the role justice.”

From Los Angeles Times

A study released by Pew Research in September showed people were exponentially more likely to get "news" from social media detritus than legitimate news outlets.

From Salon

“So the whole compensation of policing has shot up exponentially, so I would say that chief salaries have gone up at the same level.”

From Los Angeles Times