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

These somewhat redundant three layers of determinants robustly channel a trajectory of predictable behavior. —Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

John Lennon’s tragic death in 1980 forever changed the trajectory of life for his widow Yoko Ono and their son Sean. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025

Zayn's career trajectory reached new heights with an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber 2023, held in his hometown of Montreal. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

With that equation, the researchers were able to compare the difference between the emotional trajectories of two films at any time point (t) in the narrative. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 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