Glass ceiling Meaning in English
expression
Definition
An invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, especially women and minorities, from advancing to higher positions or leadership roles, no matter how qualified they are.
Usage & Nuances
Always used figuratively for workplace or societal limits. Most common in discussions of gender or minority discrimination. Often paired with verbs like 'break,' 'hit,' or 'face.' It refers to systemic barriers rather than personal failure.
Example Sentences
Many women face a glass ceiling at work.
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The glass ceiling stops some people from getting promotions.
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She wants to break the glass ceiling in her industry.
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After years of hard work, she finally shattered the glass ceiling and became the first female CEO.
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There's a definite glass ceiling for minorities in upper management here.
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Some people say the glass ceiling is breaking, but the numbers still don't show true equality.
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