Ladder Meaning
Ladder Definition & Usage
A structure with steps or rungs, used for climbing up or down to different levels.
Examples
- "She climbed the ladder to reach the top shelf."
- "The firefighter used a ladder to rescue the cat stuck in the tree."
- "We need a ladder to fix the roof."
- "He carefully descended the ladder after completing the repairs."
- "The ladder was too short to reach the roof, so they had to find another one."
A hierarchical system or a series of steps or stages, often in a professional or social context, that one must progress through to reach higher status or achievement.
Examples
- "Climbing the corporate ladder requires both skill and networking."
- "She worked her way up the ladder to become the CEO of the company."
- "The ladder of success is often steep and difficult to climb."
- "In many organizations, employees are expected to work their way up the ladder over time."
- "He felt stuck at the bottom of the career ladder, unable to move forward."
To climb or ascend a ladder.
Examples
- "He laddered up the tower to fix the antenna."
- "The workers laddered up to the rooftop to complete the installation."
- "She laddered up carefully, making sure each step was secure."
- "After the break, the crew laddered back to continue working."
- "He watched as the cat laddered up the tree to escape from the dog."
Cultural Context
Ladders have been used for thousands of years across various cultures for tasks ranging from building construction to artistic endeavors, symbolizing progress, aspiration, and access. In many societies, the idea of climbing a ladder also reflects a journey toward success or enlightenment.
Climbing the Ladder of Life
Story
Climbing the Ladder of Life
Emily had always been fascinated by ladders. As a child, she loved playing in her grandfather's garden, where an old wooden ladder leaned against a tree. She would climb it, imagining she was ascending into a secret world. Now, as an adult, the ladder had taken on a more serious meaning. In her corporate job, the 'ladder' was something she constantly thought about. With every promotion she gained, she felt she was closer to something greater, something beyond her grasp. One evening, Emily found herself in a heated conversation with her colleague, Mark. He had just received a promotion and was eager to tell her about his new office and responsibilities. 'It's all about climbing the ladder, Emily,' he said, grinning. 'You have to prove yourself and take each step as it comes.' Emily wasn't sure if Mark's words inspired or discouraged her. She had been working long hours, trying to juggle her personal life with the demands of her career. But the idea of the corporate ladder, though intimidating, also seemed to promise rewards. Maybe she, too, could reach the top if she was determined enough. The following weekend, Emily decided to take a break and visit her grandfather's house. As she stood under the old tree, she looked up at the ladder that had once been a toy, now a symbol of her past. She smiled and climbed it once again, as though reconnecting with her childhood self. There, at the top of the ladder, she realized something: the journey was just as important as the destination. When Emily returned to the office the next Monday, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She wasn't just climbing the ladder for the sake of success; she was learning and growing with every step. And that was enough.
