ladder1 nounladder2 verb
ladderlad‧der1 /ˈlædə $ -ər/ ●●● S3 noun [countable] 
WORD ORIGINladder
Origin:
Old English hlæderEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I got a ladder in my tights.
- Stevens worked his way to the top of the corporate ladder.
- As companies view for ever-larger market shares, competition seeps down to the lowliest rung on the ladder.
- Credit card donations: Back on the ladder Stella Bingham First-timers spot bargains as home market moves at last.
- I washed up and climbed the ladder to the attic.
- Ignore the ladder and go to the door just past the policeman.
- It was a trim white house with a ladder leaning against it.
- Right up the sides of them, without a ladder or rope or funny boots.
- She climbed higher and at last managed the difficult transition from the top of the ladder to the edge of the hatch frame.
- The mercer started to direct them as they propped the ladder against the side of the house.
Longman Language Activatorto move to a more important job
to give someone who works in an organization a more important job than the one they had before: · The company promotes women and minorities whenever possible.be promoted: · Did you hear that David's been promoted?promote somebody to something: · Shula was promoted to head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1991.
to move someone to another job, usually a better, more important one within the same organization: · No-one thought they would make him manager so soon after joining the company.· He's been made Head of Security at the Chicago National Bank.
when someone is given a more important job in an organization: · Civil service tests determine promotion in government jobs.· What are my chances of promotion if I stay here?get a promotion: · She got a promotion last year.
formal when someone moves up to a better, more important job: · Many people are forced to move from one city to another in search of better jobs or career advancement.
also work your way up the ladder to gradually become more and more successful, and get better, more important jobs: · Feldman started working for the company at age 18, and slowly worked his way up the ladder.· Education is vital to help these children to move up the career ladder.
to move someone up in a job, especially by making the job they are already doing more important, and by paying them more for it: · The women demanded that their work be upgraded.upgrade somebody to something: · After the inspector's visit all temporary workers were upgraded to permanent status.
a hole that is made when something is torn · How did you get that tear in your jacket ?· There's a small tear near the corner of the painting.
a long hole that is made when something such as a piece of clothing is torn: · The rips in the boat's old sails had been patched again and again.· A rip in a repair worker's protective suit increases the risk of getting a shock as they work on the electricity lines.
British /run especially American a line of torn stitches in a pair of tights etc: · There's a run in these pantyhose.get a ladder/run: · I got a ladder in my tights.
WORD SETSAC, accessory, nounadapter, nounaerosol, nounalarm, nounarm, nounash, nounattaché case, nounbag, nounbar, nounbarrel, nounbeep, verbbeeswax, nounbell, nounbelly, nounbelt, nounbench, nounbenzine, nounbinding, nounbiro, nounbolt, nounbooth, nounbox, nounbox, verbbrad, nounbriefcase, nounbristle, nounbrolly, nounbrush, nounbucket, nounbuckle, nounbuffer, nounbulb, nounBulldog clip, nounbulletin board, nounbullhorn, nounbung, nounbunting, nounbusiness card, nounbutt, nounbutton, nounbuzzer, nouncable, nouncalling card, nouncan, nouncandle, nouncane, nouncarbon, nouncarbon copy, nouncarbon paper, nouncard, nouncardboard, nouncardboard, adjectivecardboard cut-out, nouncard catalog, nouncarrier, nouncarrier bag, nouncarryall, nouncart, nouncarton, nouncartridge, nouncase, nouncaster, nouncatch, nounCellophane, nouncesspit, nounchain, nounchalice, nounchannel, nounchart, nounchute, nouncitronella, nounclamp, nouncleat, nounclip, nounclipboard, nouncomb, nouncombination lock, nouncompartment, nouncord, nouncrank, nouncrate, nouncrepe paper, nouncycle, noundetector, noundial, noundigital, adjectivedisposable, adjectivedrape, verbdrawing pin, noundryer, noundurable goods, nounDurex, nounearplug, nounelastic band, nouneraser, nouneyelet, nounfabric, nounfelt-tip pen, nounfemale, adjectivefence, nounfiberglass, nounfibreglass, nounfigurine, nounfilament, nounfile, verbFilofax, nounfire extinguisher, nounfirewood, nounfitness, nounflag, nounflagon, nounflagstaff, nounflashlight, nounflat, adjectivefloodlight, nounfoam, nounfoam, verbfog, verbfolder, nounfoolscap, nounforecourt, nounfountain, nounfountain pen, nounframe, nounfunnel, nounfuse, noungadget, noungadgetry, noungargle, verbgas, nounglue, noungoggles, noungold card, noungranny knot, noungravel, noungravelled, adjectivegravelly, adjectivegrease, noungreetings card, noungrommet, noungum, noungun, noungunnysack, noungut, nounhand-held, adjectivehandle, nounhandloom, nounharness, nounhasp, nounhealth, nounhessian, nounhinge, nounhip, nounhoarding, nounhoist, nounholder, nounhook, nounhoop, nounhooter, nounhose, nounhosepipe, nounhub, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveillness, nounindented, adjectiveinflatable, adjectiveingrained, adjectiveink, nouninn, nouninnkeeper, nouninsoluble, adjectiveivory, nounjacket, nounjack-knife, nounjoss stick, nounjuggle, verbkey, nounkeypad, nounkey ring, nounKleenex, nounknife, nounknob, nounlabel, nounladder, nounlantern, nounlatch, nounlatchkey, nounlather, nounlather, verbLCD, nounlead, nounlectern, nounlegal pad, nounlens, nounletterbox, nounlever, nounlibrary, nounlid, nounlidded, adjectivelift, nounlight, nounlight bulb, nounlink, nounlinseed oil, nounlitter bin, nounlock, nounlodestone, nounlog, nounloop, verblost property, nounmagnet, nounmagnetic, adjectivemagnifying glass, nounmale, adjectivemantle, nounmanual, adjectivemarker, nounmarker pen, nounmarket day, nounmast, nounmastic, nounmatchstick, nounmaterial, nounmeter, nounmeths, nounmode, nounmortar, nounmortise lock, nounmould, nounmounting, nounmovement, nounnail, nounnameplate, nounnet, nounnib, nounnipple, nounnon-standard, adjectivenoose, nounnotebook, nounnotepad, nounnoticeboard, nounnozzle, nounnut, nounoil, verboilcan, nounoily, adjectiveorb, nounoutfit, nounoutlet, nounovernight, adverbpack, verbpackage, nounpad, nounpad, verbpadlock, nounpaintwork, nounpantyliner, nounpaper, nounpaperclip, nounpasserby, nounpaste, verbpasteboard, nounpatron, nounpatronage, nounpatronize, verbpattern, nounpaving, nounpearl, nounpen, nounpenknife, nounpicket fence, nounpillbox, nounpince-nez, nounpinhead, nounpipe, nounpix, nounpizza parlor, nounplug, nounpocket, nounpocketbook, nounpocket calculator, nounpocket knife, nounpointer, nounpoison, nounpole, nounportfolio, nounPost-it, nounpowder, nounpowdered, adjectivepropellant, nounpropelling pencil, nounpump-action, adjectivePX, nounquarter, verbrack, nounreceptionist, nounreel, nounrefill, nounreflector, nounrefrigerate, verbregimen, nounreservation, nounreserve, verbsachet, nounsack, nounscratchpad, nounscratch paper, nounscreen, nounsealant, nounsealer, nounsearchlight, nounseason ticket, nounseat, nounself-assembly, adjectiveseptic tank, nounservice, nounservice, verbsetting, nounshade, nounsharpener, nounshovel, nounshovel, verbshovelful, nounsilver paper, nounsiphon, nounslat, nounslice, verbslot machine, nounslug, nounsmoke, nounsoot, nounsort, nounspare part, nounspigot, nounsponge, nounspool, nounspout, nounspray, nounspray can, nounspray paint, nounspring, nounstaff, nounstake, nounstalk, nounstandard, nounstaple, nounstapler, nounstationery, nounsteam, nounsteam clean, verbsteel, nounsteel wool, nounstepladder, nounstick, verbstick, nounsticker, nounstilt, nounstopper, nounstorm lantern, nounstrap, nounstreamer, nounstring, nounstub, nounsucker, nounSuperglue, nounswipe, verbswitch, nounswivel, nountab, nountack, nountag, nountag, verbtank, nountap, nountape, nountassel, nountattle, verbtea break, nounthong, nounthread, nountime-saving, adjectivetinder, nountinderbox, nountissue, nountop, nountote bag, nountowel, verbtray, nountrolley, nountube, nountubing, nountwine, nountwo-way mirror, nounumbrella, nounvent, nounvial, nounwaiting room, nounwasher, nounwaste paper, nounwatch, nounwaterspout, nounwheeled, adjectivewhistle, verbwooden, adjectivewriting paper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
men who climbed the career ladder in the 1980s He was moving up the ladder (=getting higher and higher positions), and getting management experience.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
1· He climbed the ladder up to the diving platform.
· Be careful going down the ladder!
· Dickson came up the ladder from the engine room.
formal (=climb down)· He closed the hatch and descended the ladder.
· One of the builders fell off a ladder and broke his leg.
phrases (=the part you put your foot on)· The first rung of the ladder was broken.
(=the part you put your foot on)· The can of paint was balanced on one of the steps of the ladder.
(=the bottom of a ladder)· Zach waited at the foot of the ladder while Sam climbed up.
· She sighed with relief when she reached the bottom of the ladder.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=the lowest position in society, an organization etc) Immigrants were at the bottom of the pile.
Immigrants were at the bottom of the pile. (=the way to higher positions in a career)· Having children can disturb your progress up the career ladder.
men who climbed the career ladder in the 1980s He was moving up the ladder (=getting higher and higher positions), and getting management experience.· It is no accident that people who are driven to climb corporate ladders have parents who believe ladder climbing is important.· The more that you let the former influence the corporate ladder, the less effective you and your company will be.· There are many who rise up the corporate ladder by avoiding such risks.
· Rather than drawing some evolutionary ladder or tree, the best representation is a sort of multi-twigged bush.· As we descend the evolutionary ladder, our behaviour becomes, increasingly extreme.
· The effect of the closures is being felt all the way down the social ladder.· It is a contradiction which thousands happily go along with because they are keen to advance up the social ladder.· Elliott and Nancy were next on thirtysomething's social ladder.· Those at the bottom of the social ladder have already been hit so hard that they have no money at all.· His ever-so-proper role as financial consultant to the Duchess of York marked the pinnacle of his climb up the social ladder.
NOUN· Secondary schools offered more rungs on the career ladder, but the chance of becoming a head teacher was much lower.· Mentoring is a critical component of career success; neither men nor women can climb the career ladder without it.· The problem seems to be that many women are having a tough time making their mark higher up the career ladder.· Instead, they are looking for protection against anything that could disturb their quiet but steady progress up the career ladder.· By Devoyrah Hogan Women's chances to climb the career ladder have been hard fought for.· The career ladder is congested; prospects are generally poor and it's easy to get stuck.· Each career group is in turn divided into four ranks, which constitute a self-contained career ladder.· The permanent staff would lose the prospect of promotion to the highest rungs of their career ladder.
VERB· He climbs up a ladder and on to the roof.· Mentoring is a critical component of career success; neither men nor women can climb the career ladder without it.· When he was tired of swimming he climbed a ladder to the jetty.· We could climb up the ladder belatedly, but if only we shook off our mental chains like water.· And most cherish the ability to climb the ladder in their functional silo without taking on bullet-biting responsibility for a specific product.· Born in a small mining village near Glenrothes, he has climbed the ladder by learning his craft.· We often speak of climbing the ladder don't we when it comes to the world of work or material success.
· The three headed along the catwalk, descended a rusty ladder on to the dunes of debris.· As we descend the evolutionary ladder, our behaviour becomes, increasingly extreme.· He hated leaving her there but he descended the ladder because there was nothing else he could do.
· The whole 10' x 4' x 4' unit was dragged across the garden using ladders and chain blocks.· You made the precarious climb up the side of the bus using a ladder.· They had to breach the walls at close quarters and then scale them, using ladders and fighting-towers.· A similar system can be used for ladders.
a piece of equipment used for climbing up to or down from high places. A ladder has two bars that are connected by rungs (=short bars that you use as steps): She climbed up the ladder. He hurt himself falling off a ladder. → Snakes and Ladders, rope ladder, stepladder2a series of levels which someone moves up and down within an organization, profession, or societycareer/corporate ladder Stevens slowly worked his way up the corporate ladder. Becoming a doctor would be a step up the social ladder. the first step on the ladder of success3British English a long thin hole in stockings or tights where some stitches have broken SYN run American English: Yes, I know I’ve got a ladder in my tights.COLLOCATIONSverbsclimb (up/down) a ladder· He climbed the ladder up to the diving platform.go up/down a ladder· Be careful going down the ladder!come up/down a ladder· Dickson came up the ladder from the engine room.descend a ladder formal (=climb down)· He closed the hatch and descended the ladder.fall off a ladder· One of the builders fell off a ladder and broke his leg.phrasesa rung of a ladder (=the part you put your foot on)· The first rung of the ladder was broken.a step of a ladder (=the part you put your foot on)· The can of paint was balanced on one of the steps of the ladder.the foot of a ladder (=the bottom of a ladder)· Zach waited at the foot of the ladder while Sam climbed up.the bottom/top of a ladder· She sighed with relief when she reached the bottom of the ladder.ladder1 nounladder2 verb
ladderladder2 verb [intransitive, transitive] VERB TABLE
ladder
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | ladder |
| he, she, it | ladders | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | laddered |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have laddered |
| he, she, it | has laddered | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had laddered |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will ladder |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have laddered |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am laddering |
| he, she, it | is laddering | |
| you, we, they | are laddering | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was laddering |
| you, we, they | were laddering | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been laddering |
| he, she, it | has been laddering | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been laddering |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be laddering |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been laddering |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Damn! I've laddered my tights!
THESAURUS
to damage paper or cloth by pulling it too hard, or letting it touch something sharp: · She unwrapped the present carefully, trying not to tear the paper.· I tore a hole in my jacket, climbing over the fence.
to tear something quickly or violently: · Beth excitedly ripped open the package.· Stop pulling my dress! You’ll rip it!
to tear your trousers or shirt when you put them on, because they are too tight for you: · He bent down and split his trousers.· Oh no, now I’ve split my shirt.
British English if a woman ladders her tights or stockings, she tears them so that a long thin line appears in them: · Damn! I’ve laddered my tights!
to catch a piece of clothing on something rough or sharp so that it tears slightly: · I snagged my shirt on a nail.
to deliberately destroy letters, documents etc by cutting them into thin pieces, often by using a special machine: · In order to prevent fraud, it’s best to shred your bank statements.· I went through all my papers shredding things I didn’t need.
torn a little along the edges – used about clothes, carpets etc that have been used a lot: · He was wearing an old pair of frayed jeans.· The rug was a little frayed around the edges.· The jacket was a little frayed at the cuffs.
Longman Language Activatorto damage paper, cloth, or clothing to damage paper, cloth, or clothing by pulling it too hard, or by letting it touch something sharp: · She unwrapped the present carefully, trying not to tear the paper.tear something on something: · I had torn the knees of my jeans on the rough gravel.tear something out/tear out something: · She tore a page out of her diary and wrote her phone number on it.tear something off/tear off something: · The attendant tore off the parking ticket and handed it back.tear something open/tear open something: · Peterson tore open the envelope.tear a hole in something: · I tore a hole in my jacket, climbing over the fence.tear something in half: · He took my ticket and tore it in half. "Row J, seats 8 and 9."
to tear something quickly or violently: · Stop pulling my dress! You'll rip it!rip something out/rip out something: · You can see where the label has been ripped out.rip something on something: · I ripped my skirt on a broken chair.rip something open/rip open something: · Beth excitedly ripped open the package.
British if a woman ladders her tights or stockings, she accidentally tears them so that a line of stitches becomes loose: · Damn! I've laddered my tights!
if you split your trousers, a long straight tear appears in them when you bend over or when you try to put on a pair that is too tight: · He bent down and split his trousers.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES men who climbed the career ladder in the 1980s He was moving up the ladder (=getting higher and higher positions), and getting management experience.
British English if stockings or tights ladder, or if you ladder them, a long thin hole is made in them because some stitches have broken SYN run American English► see thesaurus at tear (=the lowest position in society, an organization etc) Immigrants were at the bottom of the pile.
Immigrants were at the bottom of the pile. (=the way to higher positions in a career)· Having children can disturb your progress up the career ladder.
men who climbed the career ladder in the 1980s He was moving up the ladder (=getting higher and higher positions), and getting management experience.