How do you use "ranks"?

ranks

n. C / U

B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹæŋks// UK //ɹˈæŋks// ranks

SIMPLE

He rose through the ranks to become the company director.

CONTEXTUAL

Discontent among the ranks grew as the management continued to ignore the workers' requests for better safety equipment.

COMPLEX

The candidate's controversial statements caused a visible split within the party ranks, leading several senior members to publicly distance themselves from the official platform.

Usage

Usually plural when referring to the members of a group; often used with the preposition 'of' or 'within'.

Idioms1 entry

01
break ranks
To publicly disagree with one's own group or organization.

Last updated June 17, 2026