climb the ladder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While he had originally wanted to climb the ladder in hospitality, he has now "given up" on the industry as he believes it is not worth the stress.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Even while playing soccer in college, Unkel continued to climb the ladder as an official, being chosen to work a nationally televised friendly between the U.S. and Canada at age 23.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2023

I do the best work I can, but I don’t care for the industry I’m in, and I definitely don’t want to climb the ladder in my current role.

From Slate • May 5, 2023

Much like you do in a criminal investigation, you climb the ladder.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2023

“Canst thou climb the ladder or wilt go pickaback? Tis a great height, but there are resting places.”

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli