lockstep

American  

[lok-step] / ˈlɒkˌstɛp /

noun

1. a way of marching in very close file, in which the leg of each person moves with and closely behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead.

2. a rigidly inflexible pattern or process.

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adjective

1. rigidly inflexible.

   a lockstep educational curriculum.

lockstep British  

/ ˈlɒkˌstɛp /

noun

1. a method of marching in step such that the men follow one another as closely as possible

2. a standard procedure that is closely, often mindlessly, followed

3. progressing at exactly the same speed and in the same direction as other people or things, esp as a matter of course rather than by choice

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Etymology

Origin of lockstep

First recorded in 1795–1805; lock ¹ + step

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lockstep

For months, as oil prices have risen, Treasury yields have followed higher mostly in lockstep.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

Meanwhile, oil prices—which have moved in lockstep with Treasury yields in recent weeks—inched higher as U.S.-Iran talks showed little sign of progress.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

In 2021, Cravath announced plans to modify its compensation system, which kept lockstep largely in place, but allowed 15% of its profits to be divided among its highest performers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026

"We have been in lockstep with our partners" on sanctions targeting Russia and Iran, Champagne said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

I did not find a coherent tradition marching lockstep but instead factions, and factions within factions.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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