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

Earlier this year, the Boston Partners Global Premium Equities Fund cashed out of its stake in the German arms manufacturer, even as investor demand for the company remains on an upward trajectory. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025

No doubt fans would embrace the arena evolution as simply the next rung on the band’s inevitable, world-conquering trajectory. —Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025

Another New York designer with a rising trajectory and a CFDA award under his belt is Henry Zankov. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

The process this year has taken a wildly different trajectory. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 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