rank Definition
- 1a position in the hierarchy of an organization or society
- 2having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste
Using rank: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rank" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was promoted to the rank of captain.
Example
She holds the rank of professor at the university.
Example
The company is ranked number one in the industry.
Example
The smell of rotten eggs is quite rank.
rank Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using rank
Example
He went up in rank after serving in the army for ten years.
to humiliate or put someone in their place, especially if they are arrogant or overconfident
Example
The coach cut the star player down to size by benching him for the entire game.
the ordinary members of an organization or society, excluding the leaders and managers
Example
The rank and file of the party were unhappy with the leader's decision.
Phrases with rank
the ordinary members of an organization or society, excluding the leaders and managers
Example
The rank and file of the party were unhappy with the leader's decision.
Example
The team was considered a rank outsider in the tournament.
Example
He tried to pull rank on me, but I stood my ground.
Origins of rank
from Old English 'ranc', meaning 'proud, overbearing'
Summary: rank in Brief
The term 'rank' [raŋk] refers to a position in an organization or society, as well as having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste. It can denote a person's status, exemplified by 'She holds the rank of professor at the university,' or a company's standing, as in 'The company is ranked number one in the industry.' 'Rank' can also describe a foul odor, as in 'The smell of rotten eggs is quite rank.' Phrases like 'rank and file' and idioms like 'go up in rank' further illustrate the concept of hierarchy.
