ranking

[ rang-king ]

adjective

1. senior or superior in rank, position, etc.:

   a ranking diplomat.

2. prominent or highly regarded:

   a ranking authority on Soviet affairs.

3. occupying a specific rank, position, etc. (often used in combination):

   a low-ranking executive.

noun

1. an act or instance of indicating relative standing.
2. a list showing such standing.

ranking

/ ˈræŋkɪŋ /

adjective

1. prominent; high ranking
2. slang.
   possessed of style; fashionable; exciting

noun

1. a position on a scale; rating

   a ranking in a tennis tournament

Word History and Origins

Origin of ranking¹

First recorded in 1860–65; rank ¹ + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In the fall, Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” burst from its grave, grossing almost $451 million worldwide, and ranking fourth in this year’s domestic box office.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is reason for concern that this is not a person who is a serious enough policymaker, serious enough policy implementer, to do a successful job,” Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

From Los Angeles Times

They had been defeated for the first time by Italy in 2016 and fell to their then equal lowest-ever world ranking of sixth.

From BBC

Rubio would become the first Latino secretary of State and likely highest ranking Latino in the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Before Trump's announcement, Stefanik had risen to become the highest ranking woman in House Republican leadership.

From BBC