Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Trajectory
noun
/ truh-JEK-tuh-ree /
Easy
Meaning
The path of something moving through space; more broadly, the course or direction of development of a situation, policy, or trend over time
Origin / Etymology
Latin trajectus (thrown across) — trans (across) + jacere (to throw)
Synonyms
Path
Course
Arc
Direction of travel
Antonyms
Stagnation
Reversal
Example Sentence
"India's fiscal consolidation trajectory — from 9.2% of GDP in 2020-21 to 4.3% in 2026-27 — reflects determined but gradual correction after COVID-era borrowing."
🎯 UPSC Usage
High-frequency word in economics and governance writing. 'Growth trajectory', 'development trajectory', 'inflation trajectory', 'reform trajectory'. Particularly useful when describing long-term policy paths: 'India's energy transition trajectory', 'the trajectory of Centre-State financial relations'. Conveys movement and direction — more precise than just saying 'path'.