The trajectory of a moving object is the path that it follows as it moves.
...the trajectory of an artillery shell. [+ of]
Synonyms: path, line, course, track More Synonyms of trajectory
2. countable noun
The trajectory of something such as a person's career is the course that it follows over time.
...a relentlessly upward career trajectory.
trajectory in British English
(trəˈdʒɛktərɪ, -trɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-ries
1.
the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile
2. geometry
a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle
Derived forms
trajectile (trəˈdʒɛktaɪl)
adjective
trajectory in American English
(trəˈdʒɛktəri)
nounWord forms: pluraltraˈjectories
1.
the curved path of something hurtling through space, esp. that of a projectile fromthe time it leaves the muzzle of the gun
2. Ancient Mathematics
a.
a curve or surface that passes through all the curves of a given family at the same angle
b.
a curve or surface that fits a particular law such as passing through a given set of points
Word origin
ML trajectorius < L trajectus: see traject
COBUILD Collocations
trajectory
downward trajectory
upward trajectory
Examples of 'trajectory' in a sentence
trajectory
The company is now on a different growth trajectory and we expect to support it as it continues to expand.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There has been little variation in his career trajectory.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The third quarter figures could be the next step on a downward trajectory.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
There is no reason why sugar cannot undergo a similar trajectory.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The trick will be to maintain the upward trajectory.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The trajectory of his career is well known.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The contrast with my trajectory at a similar age is instructive.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pound has been on an upward trajectory since the middle of last year.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In a way his career trajectory makes sense.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
So where else might follow a similar trajectory?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Sales and profits rose in a scarcely faltering upward trajectory.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It is wrong to read the history of legal aid as careering from crisis to crisis in a downward trajectory.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The leaks depict a different trajectory - with right of return handled according to international law.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
She can't continue on this downward trajectory!
The Sun (2013)
With a new female career trajectory, they just might.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
What was so gratifying and set me on a different trajectory was that I built a team and a successful business.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
trajectory
British English: trajectory NOUN
The trajectory of a moving object is the path that it follows as it moves.
...the trajectory of the ball.
American English: trajectory
Brazilian Portuguese: trajetória
Chinese: 轨道
European Spanish: trayectoria
French: trajectoire
German: Flugbahn
Italian: traiettoria
Japanese: 軌道
Korean: 궤적
European Portuguese: trajetória
Latin American Spanish: trayectoria
(noun)
Definition
the path described by an object moving in air or space, esp. the curved path of a projectile
the trajectory of an artillery shell
Synonyms
path
The country is on the path to economic recovery.
line
Walk in a straight line.
course
For nearly four hours we maintained our course northwards.
track
following the track of a hurricane
flight
route
the most direct route to the town centre
flight path
Additional synonyms
in the sense of course
Definition
the path or channel along which a river moves
For nearly four hours we maintained our course northwards.
Synonyms
route,
way,
line,
road,
track,
channel,
direction,
path,
passage,
trail,
orbit,
tack,
trajectory
in the sense of line
Definition
a course or direction of movement
Walk in a straight line.
Synonyms
trajectory,
way,
course,
track,
channel,
direction,
route,
path,
axis
in the sense of route
Definition
a chosen way or method
the most direct route to the town centre
Synonyms
way,
course,
road,
direction,
path,
journey,
passage,
avenue,
itinerary
Nearby words of
trajectory
trait
traitor
traitorous
trajectory
trammel
tramp
trample
Synonyms of 'trajectory'
trajectory
Explore 'trajectory' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of track
Definition
the mark or trail left by something that has passed by