What does lockstep mean?
Lockstep denotes a close match in movement, timing, or purpose. In its literal sense, it refers to marching or moving with synchronized feet and rhythm, a usage associated especially with military drill and formal processions. Figuratively, it describes people, organizations, or policies that act in exact coordination or maintain close agreement. “In lockstep” is the usual expression: “The two departments revised their procedures in lockstep.” The word is neutral in simple descriptions, though it can imply that coordination is unusually close, disciplined, or rigid. It is especially useful where a speaker wants to emphasize not merely general cooperation but parallel timing and matching decisions. The term is not restricted to either British or American English and is understood in formal writing, journalism, and everyday discussion. Its military image gives it a durable sense of precision: once one member of a formation takes the step, the rest follow in the same movement.
nounClose synchronization of movement, action, or opinion. It refers especially to marching together in exact time or acting in close coordination.
- Close, synchronized movement, especially marching with the same pace and step.
- A state of close agreement or coordinated action among people, organizations, or policies.
"The two departments revised their policies in lockstep to avoid conflicting requirements."
"The regiment marched in lockstep across the parade ground."
"The two committees reached a decision in lockstep, without substantial discussion."
Rarely used because the word normally occurs in the fixed expression “in lockstep”; plural forms tend to describe distinct synchronized movements or sequences.
"The regiment practiced several different locksteps on the parade ground."
Long before governments or businesses moved in lockstep, soldiers did: the word's original image is a formation in which every footfall is perfectly synchronized.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lockstep come from?
Lockstep is an English compound formed by the early 17th century from lock and step. Its original sense referred to marching in close, synchronized step, and figurative senses for agreement and coordinated action developed from that image. Step continues Old English stæp and belongs to a Germanic word family that also produced English forms related to stair and staircase.
How lockstep is actually used
Neutral to formal in register. Figurative uses can suggest that cooperation is unusually close, disciplined, or rigid.