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Business English vocabulary · Working Life

Glass ceiling

Meaning in business english, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In business english, glass ceiling means: An unseen barrier that prevents certain groups from reaching senior positions.

In Turkish: cam tavan

How it is used

Used in discussions of unequal career progression. Describe the pattern or barrier rather than treating any individual setback as proof.

Example sentences

  1. The study described a glass ceiling for women who reached middle management but rarely entered the executive team.

    The barrier appears at progression into senior positions.

  2. Transparent promotion criteria may help reveal where a glass ceiling operates in the organization.

    Visible criteria make unequal advancement patterns easier to examine.

Common collocations

  • break through the glass ceiling
  • encounter a glass ceiling
  • promotionA move to a more senior job or position in the same organization, usually with more responsibility and higher pay.
  • head ofA job title for the person in charge of a department, team or function, as in 'Head of Marketing' or 'Head of HR'.

More terms: Working Life

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