Clamber: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing a difficult or awkward climb, typically involving both hands and feet. Often suggests a sense of urgency or struggle.

• The children clambered over the rocks to reach the top of the hill.
• She clambered up the steep bank to get a better view.

A general term for moving upward, whether it's scaling a mountain, a ladder, or any other object. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

• They decided to climb the old oak tree in the backyard.
• The group is planning to climb Mount Everest next year.

Used to describe an urgent or hasty climb, often on rough or uneven terrain. Implies using hands and feet in a quick, disorganized manner. Can also have a metaphorical use indicating a rush or a disordered effort.

• We had to scramble up the rocky path before the tide came in.
• The team scrambled to finish the project before the deadline.

Typically used in a more formal context to describe climbing up something very tall or steep, like a building or mountain. Often implies overcoming a significant challenge.

• The firefighters had to scale the wall to reach the trapped victims.
• He has a dream to scale the highest peaks on each continent.

Used in formal or descriptive contexts to describe moving upward, often in a smooth or deliberate manner. Can be used for both literal and metaphorical upward movements.

• The hikers began to ascend the mountain at dawn.
• His career continues to ascend as he takes on more significant roles.