ranking

ranking — noun

1. the number or position that shows where someone or something stands compared to

1.nounB1
Definition

the number or position that shows where someone or something stands compared to others in a list that sorts people or things by their level of success, ability, or quality

Example

Jin was delighted to see his name move up the world tennis ranking.

collocation: world ranking / move up the ranking

The university's ranking improved after the new research centre opened.

collocation: ranking improved

Common collocations
  • top ranking
  • world ranking
  • high ranking
  • low ranking
  • overall ranking
  • move up the ranking
  • drop in the ranking
Synonyms
  • standing

    more general; often describes reputation or respect rather than a numbered position

  • position

    refers to a place in any ordered list, not just a competitive one

  • placement

    emphasises where someone is assigned or put in an order by an external judge or process

Usage Note

Often used with an adjective before it that shows the area of comparison (world ranking, education ranking, online ranking) or a verb describing change (move up, improve, drop).

ranking — adjective

Word family

  • rank
    nounB1
  • rank
    verbB2
  • ranked
    adjectiveB1
  • top-ranking
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words describe where someone or something fits on a scale, but they differ in how specific the comparison is. Ranking nearly always implies a numbered or ordered list (e.g., number 3 in the world), whereas standing is vaguer and focuses on reputation or perceived status ('a lawyer of high standing'). Position is the most general — it can mean rank in a list or simply a location in any order. Placement is similar to ranking but often emphasises where something is assigned by an external judge or process ('students were given a placement in the competition'). In practice: 'She has a top ranking in tennis' suggests a known numerical rank; 'She has a strong standing in tennis' suggests general respect; 'Her position in tennis is strong' could mean either.

standing ↗position ↗placement ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • world ranking
  • top ranking
  • number one ranking

Prepositions

Etymology

Old FrenchEnglish

Ranking comes from the noun rank, which entered English from Old French renc (meaning 'row' or 'line'), combined with the suffix -ing. The noun sense of 'position on a scale' developed in the 19th century as competitive lists became common in sports and education. The adjective use, describing the most senior person present, comes from military language where 'ranking officer' has been used since the 1700s.