Word: Ladder

Pronunciation

/ˈlædər/

Definitions

• Noun: A long, rigid structure with two sides and multiple steps or rungs, designed for climbing up or down. For example: “He leaned the ladder against the wall to fix the roof.”
  • Also used metaphorically (e.g., career ladder): A series of steps or stages through which one progresses toward a goal.
• Verb: To climb up or down something using a ladder. For example: “She laddered up to reach the top shelf.”
  • Metaphorically (e.g., ladder one’s way to success): To advance or progress steadily through a series of stages.

Phrases

• “Climb the ladder of success”: Advance in one’s career or achieve higher social status.
• “Step up the ladder”: To progress or move towards a higher position or level.
• “Ladder of opportunity”: Refers to a series of opportunities that allow someone to advance in life.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The fireman carried a long ladder to rescue the cat from the tree.”
• Verb: “He laddered up to paint the ceiling of his bedroom.”

Synonyms

• Steps
• Stairway
• Ascender
• Climbing frame (in some contexts)
• Rungs (referring specifically to the horizontal bars on a ladder)

For the metaphorical uses:

• Pathway to success
• Career progression
• Advancement staircase
• Stepping stones