corporate ladder
The hierarchy or ranking system of employment positions within a business organization; especially, such a hierarchy viewed as a ladder to be climbed (to successive higher-ranking positions) while one is pursuing a career path.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She wants to climb the corporate ladder at her new company.”
“He spent ten years working hard to climb the corporate ladder before finally becoming a manager.”
“Despite his initial enthusiasm for the firm, he eventually grew weary of the relentless competition required to ascend the corporate ladder.”
- 01
corporate welfare bum
A business corporation or business executive receiving significant financial assistance from government sources.
- 02
pull the ladder up after oneself
Alternative form of pull the ladder up behind oneself.
- 03
pull the ladder up behind oneself
To prevent others from attaining or benefiting from the same advantages, opportunities, or rights as oneself.
- 04
social ladder
The hierarchy of a society.
Last updated August 10, 2026