rung
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
A horizontal support on a ladder for a person's foot; one of the crosspieces forming the steps.
A level or stage in a hierarchy, process, or career; also, the past participle of the verb 'ring' (as in a bell or to encircle).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has two distinct primary meanings: 1) a ladder step (noun), 2) past participle of 'ring' (verb). The noun is often used metaphorically to denote a level in a system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The noun usage is identical. For the verb 'ring' (past participle), the form 'rung' is standard in both varieties, though some informal/dialectal AmE uses 'rang' incorrectly as the participle.
Connotations
Identical connotations of progression, hierarchy, or achievement in the noun sense.
Frequency
Both noun and verb participle forms are equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be on the [ADJ] rung of [NOUN]climb the rungs of [NOUN][VERB] from the bottom rungVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the bottom rung of the ladder”
- “a rung on the ladder”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical use for corporate hierarchy, e.g., 'She's moved up another rung.'
Academic
Used in sociological or economic texts describing social mobility.
Everyday
Literal reference to a ladder part; metaphorical for progress in life/career.
Technical
Specific term in engineering/construction for ladder components.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bells had already been rung by the time we arrived.
- I've rung the office twice this morning.
American English
- He hasn't rung the doorbell yet.
- Have you rung for assistance?
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use for 'rung')
American English
- (No standard adverbial use for 'rung')
adjective
British English
- This matter is settled; the bell cannot be unrung. (figurative, from idiom)
- The rung bell signalled the end of class.
American English
- It's a rung bell, so the sound is final. (rare)
- The rung chimes echoed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be careful on the third rung of the ladder.
- I have rung my mum.
- He started on the bottom rung of the company and is now a manager.
- The church bell was rung at noon.
- She felt she had ascended another rung on the social ladder.
- After having rung customer service, I finally got an answer.
- The policy aimed to provide a crucial rung for disadvantaged groups onto the housing ladder.
- Having rung the changes in the department, the new director faced some resistance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ladder 'rung' that has been 'rung' like a bell. The 'u' in rung is like the space you put your foot through.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAREER/ LIFE IS A LADDER (climbing the rungs). HIERARCHY IS A VERTICAL STRUCTURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'ring' (кольцо). 'Rung' is ступенька (лестницы) or звонил/позвонил (past participle).
- Do not translate the metaphorical 'rung' as 'уровень' in all contexts; 'ступень' is more precise for progression.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'rang' as the past participle ('I have rang the bell' is incorrect; use 'rung').
- Misspelling as 'wrung' (which means twisted).
- Using 'rungs' for non-hierarchical steps, e.g., 'rungs of a staircase' (use 'steps').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'rung' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary literal meaning is a ladder step, it is very commonly used metaphorically for levels in a hierarchy, process, or career.
'Rang' is the simple past tense of 'ring' (e.g., He rang the bell yesterday). 'Rung' is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs like 'have' or 'had' (e.g., He has rung the bell).
Its use as a true adjective is rare and typically limited to participial contexts (e.g., 'a rung bell'). It is not a standard descriptive adjective.
Yes, both as a noun (ladder part/metaphor) and as the past participle of 'ring', it is a high-frequency B2-level word.