: 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.
Example Sentences
the trajectory of the missile
Recent Examples on the WebAnd Keaton didn’t disappoint with emotional remarks from the heart about his own career trajectory and love for the industry. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 13 Sep. 2022 Using her heavy topspin forehand to take charge from the baseline, Swiatek dictated the tempo and trajectory of points. Howard Fendrick, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2022 Using her heavy topspin forehand to take charge from the baseline, Swiatek dictated the tempo and trajectory of points. Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2022 Using her heavy topspin forehand to take charge from the baseline, Swiatek dictated the tempo and trajectory of points. Howard Fendrich, ajc, 10 Sep. 2022 Using her heavy topspin forehand to take charge from the baseline in the early going, Swiatek dictated the tempo and trajectory of points.CBS News, 10 Sep. 2022 Yet the recent trajectory of the Republican Party, and its turn against many of the key precepts of Reaganism, calls for a reassessment of this perspective. Kim Phillips-fein, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2022 She’s 35 with a graduate degree, a high earning trajectory and a 670 credit score. Kareem Saleh, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 But her trajectory for the past five years or so has been to challenge herself and her audience. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2022 See More
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