B2noun1K

Ladder

UK /["/ˈlædə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈlædər/"]/

Definition

a piece of equipment for climbing up and down a wall, the side of a building, etc., consisting of two lengths of wood or metal that are joined together by steps or rungs

In simple words: A tool with steps used to climb up or down.

Examples

  • He climbed the ladder to reach the top shelf in the library.
  • The firefighter used a ladder to rescue the people trapped on the roof.
  • She quickly moved up the corporate ladder by gaining new skills and responsibilities.
  • After graduating, he started his climb up the financial ladder.
  • The ladder of success is often difficult to ascend without persistence and hard work.

Usage notes

Use 'ladder' when talking about climbing or accessing something high. Avoid using it in a metaphorical context without clarifying to prevent confusion.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'ladder' as 'ladder-up' because it helps you go up!

Collocations

  • rickety
  • metal
  • wooden
  • ascend
  • clamber up
  • climb
  • on a/​the ladder
  • up a/​the ladder
  • down a/​the ladder
  • the bottom of a ladder
  • the foot of a ladder
  • the top of a ladder
  • economic
  • evolutionary
  • social
  • ascend
  • climb
  • move up
  • higher up the ladder
  • lower down the ladder
  • ladder of
  • get one foot on the ladder
  • have one foot on the ladder
  • a rung on the ladder

Synonyms

  • staircase
  • steps
  • rungs
  • steps ladder

Antonyms

  • elevator
  • escalator

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'ladder' with 'stairs' which are fixed and permanent.
  • Using 'ladder' as a verb incorrectly, e.g., 'I laddered to the roof.'