Word
liftoff
US/ˈɫɪfˌtɔf/
UK/lˈɪftɒf/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the moment when a rocket or spacecraft leaves the ground to start its flight.
n. the initial ascent of a rocket, missile, or aircraft from its launch site. Often used to mark the precise moment of departure in aerospace contexts.
Examples
“The rocket is ready for liftoff.”
“Crowds gathered at the viewing site to witness the historic liftoff of the first private lunar mission.”
“Engineers monitored the telemetry data closely during the final countdown, ensuring all systems were optimal for a successful liftoff into the upper atmosphere.”
Examples
simple
“The rocket is ready for liftoff.”
contextual
“Crowds gathered at the viewing site to witness the historic liftoff of the first private lunar mission.”
complex
“Engineers monitored the telemetry data closely during the final countdown, ensuring all systems were optimal for a successful liftoff into the upper atmosphere.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “liftoff” in context.
Verb
01. abort liftoff
“Computers automatically aborted liftoff just seconds before the engines ignited.”
verb + noun
02. achieve liftoff
“The rocket must reach a specific velocity to achieve liftoff safely.”
verb + noun
03. delay liftoff
“Technical glitches continue to delay liftoff for the experimental shuttle.”
verb + noun
04. liftoff occurs
“Liftoff occurs once the thrust exceeds the total weight of the vehicle.”
noun + verb
05. liftoff proceeds
“Despite the heavy winds, the flight director confirmed that liftoff will proceed.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. scheduled liftoff
“Bad weather forced the engineers to postpone the scheduled liftoff by 24 hours.”
adj + noun
07. successful liftoff
“The mission control team cheered after the successful liftoff of the Mars probe.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. countdown to liftoff
“The final countdown to liftoff began at exactly T-minus ten minutes.”
noun + prep + noun
09. moment of liftoff
“The cameras captured the exact moment of liftoff as the engines roared to life.”
noun + prep + noun
10. prepare for liftoff
“The crew strapped themselves into their seats to prepare for liftoff.”
11. seconds before liftoff
“A minor fuel leak was detected only seconds before liftoff.”
12. smooth liftoff from
“The satellite had a smooth liftoff from the launchpad in French Guiana.”
Real-World Examples
“About 2.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9's second stage separated from its booster, known as B1101, and, in short succession, began executing its orbital insertion burn.” Etymology
Deverbal from lift off.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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