C-level

[ see-lev-uhl ]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of C-level¹

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

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

As shared in The Mind Share Partners’ Leaders Go First Playbook, C-Level storytelling gives employees permission to openly discuss their own mental health journeys; almost instantly, that begins to break down any stigma.

From Seattle Times

Salaries would be tiered, with A-level players earning $80,000 per year, B-level players earning $55,000, and C-level players earning $35,000.

From Los Angeles Times

“Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong ability to identify and create new qualified opportunities. My experience with cold calling, email campaigns, and LinkedIn outreach has allowed me to build a pipeline of targeted prospects and generate interest in the services I have represented. I have also honed my executive presence and communication skills, allowing me to conduct high-level consultative conversations with C-level executives and book qualified meetings for the sales team.”

From Los Angeles Times

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