ladder

IPA: ɫˈædɝ

A frame, usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, used for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened rungs (cross strips or rounds acting as steps).
(figuratively) A series of stages by which one progresses to a better position.
(figuratively) The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, such as the corporate ladder.
(chiefly Britain) A length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings; a run.
In the game of go, a sequence of moves following a zigzag pattern and ultimately leading to the capture of the attacked stones.

To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.
(chiefly firefighting) To ascend (a building, a wall, etc.) using a ladder.
Of a knitted garment: to develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
(UK, naval slang) To close in on a target with successive salvos, increasing or decreasing the shot range as necessary.
(UK, law enforcement, of a police officer) To corruptly coerce a convicted offender to admit to offences to be taken into consideration which they do not actually believe they committed, as a way to artificially increase the rate of solved crimes.

Examples of "ladder" in Sentences

Ford is still at the top of the ladder.
The very edge of the ladder is in the water.
The back of the ladder is outside the garage.
The prizes here are the appointments at the top of the ladder.
The pet, called vixen, used to climb the ladder in the hayshed.
Spader is creepily effective as the ladder climbing opportunist.
Richmond then made the quantum leap to the top of the ladder in 1967.
The horizontal leg of each bracket is attached to the top rung of a ladder.
Dutt followed by ascending to the top of the ladder to try and grab the ring.
The plate provides a safe egress from the top of the ladder to the roof or sill.