B2noun1K

Rank

UK /["/ræŋk/"]/US /["/ræŋk/"]/

Definition

the position, especially a high position, that somebody has in a particular organization, society, etc.

In simple words: A position in a list based on importance or status.

Examples

  • He managed to improve his rank in the competition significantly this year.
  • In many organizations, employee rank determines their responsibilities and authority.
  • Students are often ranked based on their academic performance.
  • The team's rank in the league has improved after several recent victories.
  • She is not happy with her current rank on the leaderboard.
  • In the military, rank is crucial for determining the chain of command.
  • The spider crawled up to a rank of leaves before it spun its web.
  • To rank the players, we considered their recent performances.
  • It is important to rank your priorities to manage your time effectively.

Usage notes

Use 'rank' when discussing grades, levels, or classifications. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual situations where simpler terms apply.

Grammar pattern

rank + object

Memory hint

Think of a royal RANK as a way of organizing people by importance.

Collocations

  • high
  • senior
  • superior
  • achieve
  • attain
  • be promoted to
  • above a/​the rank
  • below a/​the rank
  • in rank
  • of high, low, etc. rank
  • high
  • senior
  • superior
  • achieve
  • attain
  • be promoted to
  • above a/​the rank
  • below a/​the rank
  • in rank
  • of high, low, etc. rank
  • growing
  • swelling
  • amateur
  • enter
  • fill
  • join
  • among the ranks of
  • within the ranks of
  • beyond the ranks
  • the rank and file
  • front
  • rear
  • massed
  • along a/​the rank
  • in a/​the rank
  • break ranks
  • close ranks
  • rank upon rank (of something)
  • front
  • rear
  • massed
  • along a/​the rank
  • in a/​the rank
  • break ranks
  • close ranks
  • rank upon rank (of something)

Synonyms

  • position
  • standing
  • status
  • level
  • order

Antonyms

  • low
  • inferiority

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ranks' as a plural noun meaning multiple groups.
  • Using 'rank' inappropriately in phrases where 'rate' should be used.
  • Mixing it up with 'range' which refers to a varying extent.