trajectory
truh-JEK-tuh-ree
/trəˈdʒɛktəri/
The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces; a chosen or followed course.
In a career context, it describes the 'upward' or 'downward' path of a person's professional life.
The story behind the word. From 'trans-' (across) and 'jacere' (to throw). It literally describes the path of something that has been 'thrown across' space. In business, we imagine a career being 'launched' and following an arc.
Word relationships
- path: Path is a general term; trajectory implies a specific direction and momentum.
- course: Course is the direction taken; trajectory is the arc or path itself.
- stagnation: Stagnation is the state of not moving or developing at all.
Commonly confused with
- tragedy: A tragedy is a disastrous event; a trajectory is just a path (though it could be a tragic one).
Word family
- trajectories (noun): Plural form of trajectory.
Collocations
- career trajectory
- upward trajectory
- downward trajectory
Example sentences
- "His career trajectory has been impressive, moving from intern to VP in five years." Career path.
- "The missile's trajectory was altered by the high winds." Physics.
Memory hook
A Trajectory is like a 'Project' that has been 'Ejected' into the air. Trajectory = The path of a project.
When not to use
Don't use it for a single event; it implies a continuous path over time.
Fun facts
- The word 'eject', 'project', and 'trajectory' all share the root 'jacere' (to throw).
Related words
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