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

Even modest improvements in conversion rates can dramatically impact your startup’s growth trajectory. —Daria Gonzalez, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Expect transformative conversations around the trajectory of your career and your personal identity. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025

Brands — the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut — to buy from neutral, citing the restaurant stock’s superior growth trajectory versus peers. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 June 2025

But many analysts remain decidedly bearish about their trajectory over the next couple of years, with far-reaching implications for the US economy and foreign policy. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 3 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