trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the path or course that something follows, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in discussions about personal growth, career paths, or the development of ideas. Example: "Her career trajectory has been impressive, moving from an entry-level position to a leadership role in just a few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Music

Film

Politics

Arts

Tech

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Walking down Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street late on Friday evening, the casual observer would find little amiss; not much to suggest that Moscow's trajectory over recent years, of broader consumer options and improving quality of life for the new urban middle class, was not continuing as before.

The Guardian

Amid genuine fears in Berlin that Britain may be on a trajectory towards exit, the German chancellor is expected to say that Britain benefits from its membership of the EU.

The Guardian

Icai said: "Our primary concern is that the portfolio of programmes and interventions in each DfID priority state, fuelled by the very substantial increase in funding, is not yet on a clear trajectory to make a real difference to fragile and conflict states, even if individual programmes are delivering basic services on the ground".

The Guardian

He hits a mighty ball, often with a low trajectory, some of his sixes simply muscled over the boundary: he too hit only seven fours but he struck four sixes besides in an innings of only 84 balls, the most remarkable six coming when somehow, from on one knee, he flayed Dwayne Bravo over the boundary backward of square on the offside.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet Foals also feel like a band on a steady upward trajectory, with each record improving on the last.

The Guardian - Music

Christian Democracy, even if power machines such as the CDU keep winning elections for many years to come, is on a long-term trajectory of decline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Have campaigning feminists really altered the Sun's trajectory?

The Guardian - Opinion

The [resulting equality resolution] became the trajectory that would lead to civil partnerships and marriages.

The Guardian - Film

The plot moves with a smooth, hard trajectory.

The Guardian - Film

Opponents of the death penalty will be heartened that its overall trajectory is steadily moving in their direction.

The Guardian

The debt ratio in the US is much higher and the debt trajectory is more adverse.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trajectory" to describe the path or progression of something, whether it's a career, a project, or an object in motion. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is following the defined path.

Common error

Avoid using "trajectory" to describe something that is static or unchanging. "Trajectory" implies movement or development over time, so it's not appropriate for describing a fixed state or object.

Linguistic Context

The word "trajectory" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the path followed by a projectile or an object in motion. Figuratively, it describes the course of development or progression. Ludwig AI examples illustrate both literal and metaphorical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

10%

Business

10%

Less common in

Music

3%

Film

3%

Politics

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trajectory" is a versatile noun used to describe both literal paths and figurative courses of development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from news and sports to business and the arts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it’s important to use "trajectory" when referring to something in motion or development, avoiding static contexts. As Ludwig examples show, alternatives like "pathway" or "course of action" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a high expert rating and frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "trajectory" remains a reliable and effective term for describing direction and progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pathway

Focuses more on a literal or figurative path one takes.

course of action

Emphasizes a planned series of actions to achieve a goal.

line of development

Highlights the progression and evolution of something.

projected route

Implies a planned or anticipated course to be followed.

developmental path

Specifically relates to the growth and evolution of something over time.

career path

Specifically refers to the sequence of jobs and roles in a professional life.

historical arc

Describes the evolution or progression of events over a significant period.

growth pattern

Emphasizes the way in which something increases or expands.

future direction

Highlights where something is heading or intended to go.

strategic roadmap

Suggests a detailed plan or guide for achieving a specific goal.

FAQs

How can I use "trajectory" in a sentence?

Use "trajectory" to describe the path or course something takes, either literally or figuratively. For example: "The missile's trajectory was calculated with precision," or "Her career trajectory has been steadily upward."

What's the difference between "trajectory" and "path"?

"Trajectory" often implies a more specific and calculated route, especially in technical contexts, while "path" is a more general term for a route or course.

What can I say instead of "career trajectory"?

You can use alternatives like "career path", "professional development", or "career progression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "trajectory" in a business context?

Yes, "trajectory" is frequently used in business to describe the growth or development of a company, product, or market. For example: "The company is on a growth trajectory".