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

Recent research and workplace studies have revealed several key factors that contribute to this broken rung, creating a compound effect that impacts women's entire career trajectory. —Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Okra, whose gelatinous flavor figures prominently in African, Asian, Caribbean, and Southern recipes, has seen a similar trajectory. —Emiene Wright, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025

If his career trajectory stays on its current path, the 29-year-old would put his name in the GOAT (greatest of all time) conversation. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025

Donald Trump’s Wives: What to Know About Ivana Trump, Marla Maples and Melania Trump Bailey — who also orchestrated Ivanka Trump's 2009 wedding to Jared Kushner, as well as Eric Trump's 2014 wedding to Lara Trump — never imagined the Trumps’ trajectory would take them to the White House. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 Jan. 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

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