ladder
/ˈlædər/
NOUN
1. A frame used for climbing
A portable structure consisting of two parallel side supports connected by horizontal rungs or steps, used for climbing up or down.
1.1. Climbing equipment and access
Used to describe equipment designed to help people reach elevated places, such as roofs, trees, walls, or high shelves.
Synonyms
- stepladder
- extension ladder
- climbing ladder
Examples
- He placed a sturdy ladder against the wall to reach the roof.
- The firefighter climbed the extension ladder to rescue the stranded cat.
- She used a stepladder to reach the books on the highest shelf.
Related Words
- rung
- step
- scaffold
- stairway
- climbing equipment
- access equipment
NOUN
2. A progression through successive stages
A series of steps, levels, or stages through which someone progresses toward a higher position, greater achievement, or improved status.
2.1. Career and professional advancement
Used to describe successive positions or levels that individuals move through as they develop their careers and achieve professional advancement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- stagnation
- regression
- decline
Examples
- She worked hard to climb the corporate ladder and eventually became the company's director.
- Education can provide a ladder to greater career opportunities.
- Each promotion represented another step on his professional ladder.
Related Words
- promotion
- advancement
- career development
- achievement
- professional growth
- milestone
2.2. Social and organizational hierarchy
Used to describe an ordered system of positions or ranks in which individuals or groups occupy different levels of authority, importance, or social standing.
Synonyms
- hierarchy
- pecking order
- ranking
- echelon
- order
- scale
- gradation
- rank structure
Antonyms
- disorder
- disorganization
- equality
Examples
- He gradually moved up the corporate ladder through dedication and hard work.
- The organization has a clearly defined management ladder.
- Social mobility allows individuals to move higher on the economic ladder.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A run in knitted fabric
A long, narrow line or opening in knitted fabric caused by a broken or displaced thread, resulting in the unraveling of the surrounding stitches.
3.1. Stockings and knitted garments
Used to describe a visible line or elongated opening in stockings, tights, or other knitted clothing where a thread has broken and the fabric has begun to unravel.
Synonyms
- run
- snag
- dropped stitch
Examples
- She noticed a ladder in her stockings just before leaving for work.
- A small snag quickly developed into a noticeable ladder in her tights.
Related Words
- knitwear
- stockings
- tights
- thread
- stitch
- unraveling
NOUN
4. A tactical sequence of moves in Go
A sequence of alternating diagonal and straight moves in the board game Go, used to pursue and potentially capture an opposing group of stones.
4.1. Go strategy and stone capture
Used in the game of Go to describe a tactical chasing pattern in which one player repeatedly places stones in a zigzag formation to restrict an opponent's escape.
Synonyms
- chasing sequence
- capture sequence
- tactical sequence
Examples
- The experienced player recognized the ladder and immediately began planning a counterstrategy.
- A ladder can capture an opposing group of stones if the surrounding conditions are favorable.
Related Words
VERB
5. Forming a ladder-like arrangement
To arrange or form objects, elements, or structures in a pattern resembling a ladder, with successive horizontal or parallel components.
5.1. Arrangement and structure
Used to describe arranging objects or components into a ladder-shaped configuration or a sequence of regularly spaced steps.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- disorganize
- scatter
- disarrange
Examples
- The workers laddered the support beams to create a stable framework.
- The decorative elements were laddered along the wall in a regular pattern.
Related Words
VERB
6. Climbing using a ladder
To ascend a building, wall, or other elevated structure by using a ladder.
6.1. Climbing and ascending structures
Used to describe the action of climbing upward or gaining access to an elevated location with the assistance of a ladder.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- descend
- climb down
Examples
- The workers laddered up the side of the building to inspect the roof.
- He carefully laddered to the upper platform to complete the repairs.
Related Words
VERB
7. Developing a run in knitted fabric
To develop an elongated opening or unraveling line in knitted material when a thread breaks or a stitch comes undone.
7.1. Unraveling of stockings and knitwear
Used to describe knitted clothing developing a visible run or elongated opening caused by a broken or displaced thread.
Synonyms
- run
- snag
- unravel
- fray
Antonyms
- mend
- repair
- reinforce
Examples
- Her stockings laddered after the delicate fabric caught on a sharp edge.
- The tights began to ladder when one of the threads broke.
Related Words
- knitting
- stitch
- thread
- stockings
- tights
- fabric damage