What does stratospheric mean?
Stratospheric is an adjective relating to the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer above the troposphere, and to objects or conditions found at very great altitude. It is also used figuratively to describe achievements, ambitions, costs, or plans that reach an exceptionally elevated level. The literal use is associated with aviation, atmospheric science, and high-altitude research, including stratospheric flights and the stratospheric ozone layer. The figurative use often suggests that something is ambitious, extraordinary, or far beyond ordinary expectations. Because it carries this implication of height and elevation, it can express admiration as well as concern, particularly when describing exceptionally large budgets or sweeping projects. In everyday writing, the word is more common in figurative contexts than in precise scientific discussion.
Relating to the stratosphere or to something located at a very high altitude.
"The plane entered the stratospheric layer after climbing above the weather."
Often used with technical or scientific subjects such as altitude, flights, balloons, ozone, and warming.
Exceptionally high in scale, importance, value, or ambition.
"The company announced a stratospheric investment in renewable energy."
This figurative use is common in journalism and business writing and often indicates that something is extraordinary or ambitious.
From the Earth's stratosphere to the heights of ambition, “stratospheric” carries the idea of being far above ordinary levels.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stratospheric come from?
The word is formed from “stratosphere,” which was coined in the early 20th century from the Greek stratos, meaning “layered” or “spread out,” and the English sphere, referring to a spherical layer. Its underlying terminology comes from the Latin stratum, meaning “layer” or “bed,” which is also the source of related English words such as “stratify” and “stratification.” The adjective “stratospheric” developed alongside the noun during the scientific terminology of atmospheric science.
Related word forms
How stratospheric is actually used
Usually used attributively, as in “stratospheric altitude.” The figurative sense is strongly evaluative and commonly conveys extreme scale or ambition.
Easily confused with stratospheric
Stratosphere is the atmospheric layer itself, while stratospheric is the adjective describing things located in, or metaphorically associated with, that layer.