Meaning

• 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).

• A series of stages by which one progresses to a better position.

• The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, such as the corporate ladder.

• 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.

Meaning

• To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.

• 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.

  "Oh damn it, I've laddered my tights!"