Rank

/ræŋk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A position in a hierarchy or scale, especially in relation to status or authority.

He achieved a high rank within the military after years of service.

A classification or distinction based on quality or performance.

The restaurant has earned a rank among the best in the city.

A line of soldiers or things.

The troops were lined up in ranks for inspection.

verb

To assign a position in a hierarchy or to classify.

She was ranked among the top students in her class.

To arrange in a particular order according to a specific criterion.

They decided to rank the applicants based on their qualifications.

From Old French 'ranc', meaning 'rank, row', from Latin 'ramus' meaning 'branch'.

rank and file

The ordinary members of an organization as opposed to its leaders.

rank outsider

A competitor or candidate that is unlikely to win.

in the ranks

Among ordinary members of a group, typically of a military or organizational nature.

ranking

The action or process of assigning a rank or position.

rankness

The state of being rank, often in terms of strong odor.

ranksman

A member of the military or a specific group that holds a rank.

Something very bad or unpleasant.

That food was rank, I couldn't eat it.

To rank someone or something to indicate a low value.

Don't bother with that movie; it's totally rank.