C-level

American  

[see-lev-uhl] / ˈsiˌlɛv əl /

adjective

1. noting or relating to executives at the highest management level in an organization, usually having titles beginning with the letter C or the word Chief .

   C-level retail executives; C-level positions such as CEO and CFO.

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noun

1. an executive or executives at this level in an organization.

   the company’s C-levels; ways to pitch your ideas to the C-level.

Etymology

Origin of C-level

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

That made him a prime candidate for a C-level role at the Raleigh, N.C., company, according to Olson.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

In 2018, 14 of 20 external reviewers of Chung’s renewal application gave her C-level grades for her science in the previous 5 years; the highest grade she received was a B-minus.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 4, 2023

In addition to being a C-level executive, applicants are generally referred for consideration and sit for an interview, though it’s less onerous than it sounds, more of a jerk filter than an admissions process.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2022

I was in B-level, C-level movies, but when I started saying no, I got better opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2022

Arrow down and enter three for σ, 68 for x¯ , 36 for n, and .90 for C-level.

From Textbooks • Sep. 19, 2013