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

But the company is back on a strong growth trajectory, fueled by the AI boom that could possibly disrupt the antiquated insurance industry that has incumbents with large market share, but are slow to evolve. —Todd Gordon, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025

Kenvue has since been targeted by activist investors unhappy about the trajectory of the company and Wall Street appeared to anticipate some heavy lifting ahead for Kimberly-Clark. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

In his role as CEO of Jil Sander, Serge will aim to further elevate the positioning of this brand with invaluable potential, carefully and strategically guiding its growth trajectory. —Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025

Here, Gabel — who just wrapped a writing stint on the Peacock adaptation of Five-Star Weekend, starring Regina Hall and Jennifer Garner — speaks to THR about the novel’s trajectory and her experiences in two major creative industries in flux. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 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