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

Cruel injuries have mostly dictated the trajectory of his career in the past few years, however, with an unflattering spell on loan at Brighton in the Premier League unable to launch his career. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

While McDaniel and Passan give Mullins a 70% chance to be traded at this deadline, the trajectory of the Orioles likely will lead to his name being floated more often as July approaches. —Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

Flagg’s success could change the club’s trajectory similarly to the way Golden State transformed under sharpshooter Steph Curry, who captured four NBA titles and the attention of Gen Z basketball fans worldwide. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025

Fleeing from their oppressive lives, our heroes, played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, take the standard trajectory of liberation embodied by the macho road movie and give it a feminist kick. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 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