A series of stages by which one progresses to a better position.
A length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings; a run.
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).
In the game of go, a sequence of moves following a zigzag pattern and ultimately leading to the capture of the attacked stones.
The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, such as the corporate ladder.
Of a knitted garment: to develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
To ascend (a building, a wall, etc.) using a ladder.
To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.
To close in on a target with successive salvos, increasing or decreasing the shot range as necessary.
One’s relative placement in a list.
Having a specified rank.
Superior in rank.