Ladder: meaning, definitions and examples

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ladder

[ ˈlædər ]

^{Context #1}

climbing equipment

A ladder is a piece of equipment consisting of two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with a series of steps or rungs between them, used for climbing up or down something.

Synonyms

escalator, staircase, steps

Examples of usage

You'll need a ladder to reach the top shelf.
He climbed up the ladder to clean the gutters.
She placed the ladder against the wall to paint the ceiling.

^{Context #2}

hierarchical structure

A ladder can also refer to a hierarchical structure or ranking system where individuals can move up or down based on their status, authority, or performance.

Synonyms

hierarchy, promotion, ranking

Examples of usage

He quickly climbed the corporate ladder to become CEO.
She started at the bottom of the career ladder and worked her way up.

^{Context #3}

move gradually

To ladder can mean to move gradually or sequentially from one level or position to another.

Synonyms

advance, increment, progress

Examples of usage

The prices laddered up slowly over the course of the year.
She laddered her investments to reduce risk.

Translations

Translations of the word "ladder" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escada

🇮🇳 सीढ़ी

🇩🇪 Leiter

🇮🇩 tangga

🇺🇦 драбина

🇵🇱 drabina

🇯🇵 はしご

🇫🇷 échelle

🇪🇸 escalera

🇹🇷 merdiven

🇰🇷 사다리

🇸🇦 سُلَّم

🇨🇿 žebřík

🇸🇰 rebrík

🇨🇳 梯子

🇸🇮 lestve

🇮🇸 stigi

🇰🇿 басқыш

🇬🇪 კიბე

🇦🇿 nərdivan

🇲🇽 escalera

Word origin

The word 'ladder' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'hlæder'. Ladders have been used for centuries by humans to reach heights or access elevated areas. They are essential tools in various industries such as construction, firefighting, and rescue operations. The concept of climbing a ladder as a metaphor for advancing in one's career or social status dates back centuries, reflecting the idea of upward mobility and progression.