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

The growth trajectory Neville talks about — industry sources estimate the brand will reach $100 million in net revenue this year — has not gone unnoticed by the industry. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Analysts who spoke to ABC News acknowledged the difficulty in predicting when the most severe effects of the ballooning debt may materialize but warned that regardless of the answer, the current trajectory is unsustainable. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Likewise, while Treasury yields are elevated at present, this is only in part due to concerns over fiscal trajectories. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

While the trajectory still points up and to the right, Micron shares plunged 29% in July, their worst month since 2002. — Cj Haddad,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

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