a position in the hierarchy of an organization or society, having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste

go up in rank, cut someone down to size (or cut someone down to rank), rank and file

rank and file, rank outsider, pull rank

Formal and Informal Expressions of rank

In different contexts, you can replace 'rank' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'position, status' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'place, standing' is a commonplace synonym.

rank: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for rank

Antonyms for rank

Idioms Using rank

go up in rank
to be promoted to a higher position
Example
He went up in rank after serving in the army for ten years.
cut someone down to size (or cut someone down to rank)
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.
rank and file
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

rank and file
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.
rank outsider
a person or thing that has little chance of winning or succeeding
Example
The team was considered a rank outsider in the tournament.
pull rank
to use one's superior position or authority to gain an advantage or get what one wants
Example
He tried to pull rank on me, but I stood my ground.

Origins of rank

from Old English 'ranc', meaning 'proud, overbearing'

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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.