ladders
/ˈlædərz/
NOUN
1. Portable climbing structures
Portable or fixed structures consisting of two parallel supports connected by horizontal rungs or steps, used for climbing up or down.
1.1. Climbing equipment and access
Used to refer to structures that provide access to elevated places, such as roofs, trees, platforms, or upper floors.
Synonyms
- climbing frames
- stepladders
- extension ladders
Examples
- The maintenance workers placed their ladders against the building to inspect the roof.
- The firefighters used extended ladders to reach the upper floors of the burning structure.
- Several wooden ladders were stored in the garden shed.
Related Words
1.2. Pairs of climbing structures
Used to describe two or more ladders employed together, particularly in construction, maintenance, or other activities requiring access to elevated locations.
Synonyms
- climbing equipment
- access structures
Examples
- The workers positioned several ladders around the construction site to access different sections of the building.
Related Words
- supports
- rungs
- platforms
- scaffolding
- extension equipment
NOUN
2. A progression through successive stages
A sequence of levels, positions, or stages through which individuals or organizations progress toward higher status, greater achievement, or improved standing.
2.1. Career and professional advancement
Used to describe successive professional positions or levels that individuals move through as they develop their careers and achieve greater responsibility.
Synonyms
Examples
- The company introduced new career ladders to help employees understand their opportunities for advancement.
- Professional development programs provide several ladders for employees seeking leadership positions.
Related Words
- promotions
- advancement
- career development
- professional growth
- milestones
- achievements
2.2. Social and organizational hierarchy
Used to describe systems of ranked positions or levels within organizations and societies, where individuals or groups occupy different degrees of authority, influence, or social standing.
Synonyms
- hierarchies
- pecking orders
- peck orders
- rankings
- echelons
- scales
- positions
- standings
- statuses
- stations
- places
- orders
- food chains
Antonyms
- egalitarianism
- equality
- flat structures
Examples
- The organization maintains several hierarchical ladders that determine authority and responsibility.
- Social ladders can influence access to education, employment, and economic opportunities.
- The study examined how traditional pecking orders and social ladders affect workplace relationships.
Related Words
- social structures
- power structures
- chain of command
- rank systems
- dominance
- stratification
2.3. Rankings and relative positions
Used to describe ordered arrangements in which individuals, teams, or organizations are positioned according to their performance, importance, status, or achievements.
Synonyms
Examples
- The university rankings revealed significant differences between institutions.
- The tournament ladders were updated after each round of competition.
Related Words
- evaluations
- classifications
- assessments
- orderings
- comparisons
- placements
NOUN
3. Runs in knitted fabric
Long, narrow openings or unravelled sections in knitted fabric caused by broken or displaced threads, particularly in stockings and tights.
3.1. Stockings and knitted garments
Used to describe visible runs or elongated openings in stockings, tights, and other knitted garments where threads have broken and the surrounding stitches have unravelled.
Synonyms
- runs
- snags
- dropped stitches
Examples
- She discovered several ladders in her stockings before leaving for the party.
- The delicate tights developed multiple ladders after catching on a rough surface.
Related Words
- knitwear
- stockings
- tights
- threads
- stitches
- unravelling
- fabric damage
NOUN
4. Tactical sequences in the game of Go
Sequences of alternating moves in a zigzag pattern used to chase and potentially capture an opponent's stones in the board game Go.
4.1. Go strategy and stone capture
Used in the strategy of Go to describe chasing patterns in which a player repeatedly places stones to restrict an opponent's escape and eventually capture the group.
Synonyms
- chasing sequences
- capture sequences
- tactical patterns
Examples
- The experienced player recognized several possible ladders and evaluated the escape routes.
- Understanding ladders is essential for recognizing tactical threats in Go.
Related Words
VERB
5. Arranging objects in a ladder-like formation
To arrange or form objects, structures, or elements into a pattern resembling a ladder, with successive or parallel components.
5.1. Arrangement and configuration
Used to describe organizing or positioning objects into a ladder-shaped arrangement or a structured sequence of successive components.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- disorganize
- disarrange
- scatter
Examples
- The technicians laddered the components along the framework to create a stable arrangement.
- The decorative elements were laddered across the wall in a symmetrical pattern.
Related Words
VERB
6. Ascending using ladders
To climb or ascend buildings, walls, or other elevated structures with the assistance of ladders.
6.1. Climbing and ascending structures
Used to describe the action of climbing upward or gaining access to elevated locations by using ladders.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- descend
- climb down
Examples
- The workers laddered up the side of the building to inspect the exterior walls.
- Firefighters laddered to the upper floors to reach people trapped inside.
Related Words
VERB
7. Developing runs in knitted fabric
To develop elongated openings or unravelled lines in knitted material as a result of broken or displaced threads.
7.1. Unravelling of stockings and knitwear
Used to describe stockings, tights, or other knitted garments developing visible runs when their threads break or stitches come undone.
Synonyms
- run
- snag
- unravel
- fray
Antonyms
- mend
- repair
- reinforce
Examples
- Her stockings laddered after catching on a sharp edge.
- The delicate tights laddered when several threads broke.
Related Words
- knitting
- stitches
- threads
- stockings
- tights
- fabric damage