Invisible but real barrier through which the next stage or level of advancement can be seen, but cannot be reached by a section of qualified and deserving employees. Such barriers exist due to implicit prejudice on the basis of age, ethnicity, political or religious affiliation, and/or sex. Although generally illegal, such practices prevalent in most countries. 
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USAGE EXAMPLE

Daisy felt she hit a glass ceiling at work, because all of her male coworkers were promoted to management positions, while she was still considered a junior employee.