trajectory
[C/U] Both
pl: trajectories
The term evokes a sense of inevitable momentum and geometric precision. In a physical sense, it is the invisible arc drawn by gravity and velocity, often used in ballistics, astronomy, and sports to describe the exact line of flight. When applied to lives or businesses, it shifts from a literal curve to a symbolic trend. It describes a direction of growth or decline that feels driven by a specific force or pattern, implying that current movements will lead to a predictable future destination.
Countable when referring to a specific physical path of a projectile. Uncountable when discussing the general trend or direction of a professional or economic path.