Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

social-climber

noun

/ˈsoʊ.ʃəl ˈklaɪ.mɚ/

Definition

A person who seeks to gain a higher social status or increase their social connections, often through relationships with those of higher status.

Examples

She always tries to impress the rich guests at parties; everyone knows she’s a social-climber.
His behavior at the gala revealed him to be nothing more than a social-climber, eager to network.

Meaning

Social-climbers are individuals who actively pursue friendships or associations with people in positions of power or influence, often at the expense of genuine relationships.