trajectory

noun

tra·​jec·​to·​ry trə-ˈjek-t(ə-)rē 

plural trajectories

1

: the curve that a body (such as a planet or comet in its orbit or a rocket) describes in space

the trajectory of a missile

2

: a path, progression, or line of development resembling a physical trajectory

an upward career trajectory

the nation's economic trajectory

Did you know?

Formed with part of the prefix trans-, "across", trajectory means a "hurling across". By calculating the effect of gravity and other forces, the trajectory of an object launched into space at a known speed can be computed precisely. Missiles stand a chance of hitting their target only if their trajectory has been plotted accurately. The word is used most often in physics and engineering, but not always; we can also say, for example, that the trajectory of a whole life may be set in a person's youth, or that a new book traces the long trajectory of the French empire.

Examples of trajectory in a Sentence

the trajectory of the missile

Recent Examples on the Web

While ballistic missiles achieve similar speeds, hypersonic vehicles offer greater agility and less predictable trajectories, complicating defense efforts. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025

As many have noted, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ career trajectory has been remarkably similar to former Patriots and Buccaneers star Tom Brady. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Dec. 2025

Daniels burst onto the NFL scene as one of the best quarterbacks in football last season, leading the Commanders to a 12-5 record and immediately changing the trajectory of a franchise that hadn’t reached the NFC Championship Game since their Super Bowl-winning season in 1991. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Still, investors such as Josh Brown remain bullish over Netflix’s long-term trajectory. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin trajectoria, from feminine of trajectorius of passing, from Latin traicere to cause to cross, cross, from trans-, tra- trans- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trajectory

• directory
• refectory
• nectary
• rectory
• subdirectory

Kids Definition

trajectory

noun

tra·​jec·​to·​ry trə-ˈjek-t(ə-)rē 

plural trajectories

: the curve that a body (as a planet in its orbit or a rocket) travels along in space