Standard Lemma guide

C-level

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The highest-ranking executives of an organization, who have the word chief in their titles: CEO, COO, CFO, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: attributive, often

Topics: business

Examples

  • Near-synonym: CXO
  • I am seeking a position at the C-level.
  • “Executives Are Quitting to Spend Time With Family ... Really”, in New York Times, 16 February 2022: “Chief executives, chief financial officers and other C-level executives are walking off the job, too.”

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: C-suite, CXO

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The chiefs of business units have titles that begin with a C (e.g. CEO).