lockstep

noun

lock·​step ˈläk-ˌstep 

often attributive

1

: a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible

2

: a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality

Phrases

in lockstep

: in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison

politicians marching in lockstep with the party line

Synonyms

• routine
• grind

Examples of lockstep in a Sentence

followed the lockstep that had been in his family for generations: prep school, Ivy League university, job on Wall Street

Recent Examples on the Web

Back in 2010, a famous study concluded that people's happiness increased in lockstep with their income — but only up around $75,000 per year. —Vivian Tu, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025

Today’s security solutions are battle-tested, in lockstep with an ever-shifting threat landscape that seems to have endless energy and zero downtime. —Sumera Riaz, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The retail giant has seen comparable sales decline six out of the last nine quarters, with store foot traffic declining in lockstep. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025

From playing the same sports to wearing the same prom dress (Hyman found it first; Marciniak got it in another color) to even dating brothers in high school, the sisters experienced life in lockstep. —Brittany Talarico, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lockstep

• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep

Kids Definition

lockstep

noun

lock·​step -ˌstep 

: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other