# corporate ladder

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/corporate-ladder
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.