moonshot

noun

1. A highly ambitious and risky project or goal that has the potential for a large impact or breakthrough.

   C1

   countable

   • "The company’s moonshot to develop a fully autonomous car has attracted a lot of investors."B2
   • "She described her research as a moonshot, hoping it could cure the disease."C1
   • "They called the new app a moonshot, but it was just a small update."A2

2. A literal attempt to launch a projectile or spacecraft toward the Moon.

   C2

   countable

   • "The 1969 moonshot was a historic achievement."B1
   • "The rocket’s moonshot failed to reach orbit."B2