ladder/ˋlædɚ; ˈlædə/n [C]1 a piece of equipment used for climbing up to high places. A ladder has two long bars connected by RUNGS (=short bars that you use as steps). 梯子2 a series of levels within an organization, profession, or society〔机构﹑职业或社会中晋升的〕阶梯﹔途径: Women have had to fight to climb the career ladder . 女性得奋力打拼才能攀登事业的阶梯。3 BrE a long hole in STOCKINGS or TIGHTS [ run AmE 【美】]【英】〔长筒袜或连裤袜的〕抽丝﹐脱线