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

2

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

an upward career 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 pandemic changed the whole trajectory of my life, honestly. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 July 2024

As the daughter of Dan Gilroy and Rene Russo, as well as niece to Tony and John Gilroy, Rose attempted to steer away from the family business by trying her hand at pre-med and pre-law trajectories during college, but neither option ended up being in the cards for her. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 July 2024

Analysts will monitor JPMorgan’s 2024 outlook, particularly the trajectory for net interest income given the expectations for a higher-for-longer rate environment, noted Goldman Sachs analyst Richard Ramsden. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 July 2024

On a call with reporters last month, Michelle Litwin, Phoenix's Heat Response Program manager, said her team handed out 400,000 water bottles and provided 28,000 people with heat response supplies last year in hopes of flipping that trajectory of human loss. —Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 10 July 2024

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

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