Ascending ladder, support youngster (8)
I believe the answer is:
nursling
'youngster' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'ascending ladder support' is the wordplay.
'ascending' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ladder' becomes 'run' (both can mean a tear in tights).
'support' becomes 'sling' (sling is a type of support for member (ie an arm)).
'run' written backwards gives 'nur'.
'nur'+'sling'='NURSLING'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nursling that I've seen before include "young child" , "tiny tot" , "baby" .)