What does "ranking" mean?

1. (position on a list) your position on a list that compares you to others based on quality or success. 2. (the act of ordering) the act of putting things in order from best to worst. 3. (senior or superior) having a high or senior position in an organisation.

How do you use "ranking"?

Often used with 'of' to describe the items being ordered. Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

ranking

n. · adj.

US //ˈɹæŋkɪŋ// UK //ɹˈæŋkɪŋ// rank·ing

1 position on a list (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

your position on a list that compares you to others based on quality or success.

the relative position of an individual or entity within a hierarchical system, typically determined by performance or status.

Example

After winning the tournament, her world ranking rose to number five.

Example

The university's global ranking improved significantly following the publication of several high-impact research papers by its faculty.
2 the act of ordering (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of putting things in order from best to worst.

the process of assigning a position to items in a list for comparison.

Example

The ranking of the best films of the year is always controversial.

Example

The committee's ranking of the candidates was based on a rigorous set of objective criteria designed to eliminate personal bias.

Usage

Often used with 'of' to describe the items being ordered.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 senior or superior (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

having a high or senior position in an organisation.

holding a superior or senior position within a hierarchy; often used in military or political contexts.

Example

The ranking officer on the ship gave the order to change course.

Example

As the ranking member of the committee, she was responsible for overseeing the legislative agenda during the chairperson's absence.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
- junior
- subordinate