English Reference
verb · adjective

rated

v. · adj.
US /ˈɹeɪtɪd/ UK /ɹˈeɪtɪd/ rat·ed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.judged or ranked based on quality or value.

    v.the past tense or past participle of 'rate', indicating an assessment of quality, value, or status.

    Simple

    The hotel was rated five stars by almost every guest who stayed there.

    In context

    The critics rated the performance as one of the finest of the decade, noting the lead actor's remarkable emotional range.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having a particular level or score in a system.

    adj.possessing a specific rating or classification within a formal system.

    Simple

    Only highly rated players are invited to join the national tournament.

    In context

    The bond was downgraded to a lower-rated category following the company's disappointing quarterly financial report.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.the highest amount of power or weight a machine can safely use.

    adj.denoting the maximum capacity, such as load or voltage, for which a device is designed to operate safely.

    Simple

    The elevator has a rated capacity of ten people.

    In context

    Operating the motor beyond its rated voltage for extended periods will likely result in permanent hardware failure.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    adj.spoken to angrily because you did something wrong.

    adj.subjected to a sharp or angry rebuke.

    Simple

    The servant was harshly rated by his master for the small mistake.

    In context

    In the old novel, the protagonist was soundly rated by the headmaster for his perceived insolence during the assembly.

In 2022, 83 percent of Canadians rated the US as reliable.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

When Manchester City paid £12.5m to sign Jeremy Monga from Leicester City last month, they were not alone in wanting one of English football's most highly rated teenagers.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated