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

• hierarchy
• 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

Near the shooting scene, police found a ladder and burglary tools indicative of someone trying to break into a building on 22nd Street, via a back entrance accessible on 21st street, authorities said. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025

Both were climbing corporate ladders when George Floyd’s murder changed everything. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025

But what does that mean for the individuals from minority groups and women who were climbing the corporate ladder with their eyes on the C-suite? —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Climbing the corporate ladder could be possible, while some of you may instead receive an award or favorable review. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 17 Aug. 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