rung
A straight bar on a ladder that you put your feet on when you go up or down.
One of the horizontal bars between the side posts of a ladder or similar frame, which you stand on or hold when you climb.
A level or place in a group, company, or society, thought of like a step on a ladder.
A level or position in an organization, career path, or social system, compared to one of the steps on a ladder.
The past participle form of the verb "ring"; used with "have/has/had" when a bell or phone made a sound, or when someone called by phone.
Past participle of "ring": used with "have", "has", or "had" to show that a bell, phone, or similar object made a ringing sound, or that someone made a phone call.
- Base: rung
- Plural: rungs
move up a rung
1advance to a higher level
To reach a higher position or level in a company, career, or social group.
- He hopes this promotion will let him move up a rung in the company.
- Each new skill you learn can help you move up a rung on the career ladder.
- The team moved up a rung in the league after their latest win.
on the bottom rung
1in the lowest position
In the lowest or least powerful position in a group, organization, or society.
- As a new assistant, she is still on the bottom rung in the company.
- Many people on the bottom rung of society struggle to pay basic bills.
- He doesn’t mind starting on the bottom rung if there is a chance to move up.
on the top rung
1in the highest position
In the highest or most powerful position in a group, organization, or society.
- After thirty years in the industry, she is finally on the top rung of the corporate ladder.
- Very few people ever reach the top rung in professional sports.
- He dreams of being on the top rung of the fashion world one day.
the next rung on the ladder
1the next higher level or position
The next higher job, position, or stage in a career, organization, or system.
- She sees this new role as the next rung on the ladder in her career.
- He is already thinking about the next rung on the ladder after this promotion.
- For many graduates, any first job is just the next rung on the ladder toward management.