ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈla-dər 

often attributive

1

: a structure for climbing up or down that consists essentially of two long sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces on which one may step

2

: something that resembles or suggests a ladder in form or use

especially : run sense 11a

3

: a series of usually ascending steps or stages : scale

climbing up the corporate ladder

ladderlike

ˈla-dər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms

• graduation
• hierarchy
• ordering
• ranking
• scale

Examples of ladder in a Sentence

He was moving up the corporate ladder.

She worked her way up from the lowest rung on the economic ladder.

She got a ladder in her stocking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hilton said he was compelled to run by his ability to climb the economic ladder after his family immigrated to the United Kingdom and his fears that this is no longer possible in California because Democrats control the state. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Below is a list of all of them and updates on their climb up the professional ladder. —Michael Lycklama, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2025

Be aware of other safety rules, such as not planting a small bush directly under a tree, which might lead to a fire ladder. —Pamela Noensie, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025

But ‘Europa League specialist’ is faint praise because the tournament is the second rung on UEFA’s ladder. —Justin Guthrie, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hlǣder; akin to Old High German leitara ladder, Old English hlinian to lean — more at lean

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ladder

• accommodation ladder
• aerial ladder
• career ladder
• corporate ladder
• fish ladder
• hook and ladder truck
• Jacob's ladder
• ladder-back
• ladder truck
• rope ladder

Rhymes for ladder

• adder
• bladder
• madder
• sadder
• gallbladder
• stepladder

Kids Definition

ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈlad-ər 

1

: a structure for climbing that consists of two long pieces (as of wood, rope, or metal) joined at short distances by crosspieces on which one may step

2

: something that suggests a ladder in form or use

3

: a series of steps or stages : scale

the corporate ladder