glass ceiling

[glas see-ling] / ˈglæs ˈsi lɪŋ /

NOUN

prevention from advancement

Synonyms

WEAK

class prejudice social prejudice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"There is a real glass ceiling in large cities," added Blanche Leridon, director of French studies at the Paris-based Institut Montaigne.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

The 48-year-old has plenty to ponder on whether he has hit a glass ceiling on Tyneside.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

Might she venture to break through Sacramento’s ultimate glass ceiling?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2024

She has been talking about what was on the other side of that glass ceiling since the day the vice president announced her candidacy.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2024

When he didn’t say anything, she clasped her hands around her knees and looked up at the sky through the glass ceiling.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee