LADDER

noun

1. 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).
2. A series of stages by which one progresses to a better position.
3. The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, such as the corporate ladder.

verb

1. To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.
2. To ascend (a building, a wall, etc.) using a ladder.
3. Of a knitted garment: to develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.