Word
trajectory
Phoneticstra·jec·to·ry, stress on the second syllable
US/tɹəˈdʒɛktɝi/
UK/tɹədʒˈɛktəɹˌi/
Definitions
01physical path
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. the curved path that an object, like a ball or a rocket, follows as it moves through the air or space.
n. the path described by an object moving under the influence of gravity or other forces.
Español:trayectoria
“The scientists calculated the rocket's trajectory to ensure it would reach the moon safely.”
“The artillery officer adjusted the angle of the cannon to account for wind resistance, ensuring the shell followed a precise trajectory toward the target.”
02career or life path
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the way that something changes or develops over time, such as your career or a country's economy.
n. a course of development or a sequence of events over time. Often used in professional or economic contexts.
“Her career trajectory changed completely after she decided to go back to university.”
“The company's growth trajectory suggests that they will become the market leader within the next three fiscal years.”
03mathematical system
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. the set of states a system goes through over time.
n. the ordered set of intermediate states assumed by a dynamical system as a result of time evolution.
“The computer model showed the trajectory of the weather system over the next week.”
“In chaos theory, even a slight change in initial conditions can result in a wildly different trajectory for the entire system.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “trajectory” in context.
Verb
01. follow trajectory
“The missile was programmed to follow a specific trajectory to avoid detection.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“The drive-by shooting that killed rap superstar Tupac Shakur on 7 September 1996 changed the trajectory of hip-hop and elevated the rapper from the face of the genre to a cultural icon.” “To turn the trajectory of science around, we need to encourage students to engage with science early.” Etymology
From New Latin trāiectōria f (“trajectory”) (used by Newton), the feminine of trāiectōrius (“of or pertaining to throwing across”), from Latin trāiectus (“thrown over or across”), past participle of trāiciō, from trans- (“across, beyond”) (see trans-) + iaciō (“to throw”) (from Proto-Indo-European *(H)yeh₁- (“to throw, impel”)). Middle French and Middle English had trajectorie (“end of a funnel”), from Latin trāiectōrium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/trajectory
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0