Rank (Noun)
Meaning 1
A row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another; "the entrance was guarded by ranks of policemen".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The parade ground was filled with ranks of soldiers standing at attention.
- The entrance to the concert was guarded by ranks of security personnel.
- The police formed ranks to block off the street and divert traffic.
- The ranks of protesters stretched for several city blocks.
- The honor guard stood in ranks, awaiting the arrival of the dignitary.
Meaning 2
The ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army); "the strike was supported by the union rank and file"; "he rose from the ranks to become a colonel".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The union leader praised the rank and file for their unwavering support during the strike.
- She quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the youngest managers in the company.
- The rank and file workers bore the brunt of the economic downturn as layoffs began to mount.
- The charismatic CEO gained the trust of the rank and file employees by working alongside them on the assembly line.
- After years of service, the retired general still referred to himself as a simple soldier who came from the ranks.
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Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Position in a social hierarchy; "the British are more aware of social status than Americans are".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The aristocrat's high rank in society was evident in her luxurious lifestyle.
- In the military, officers of higher rank are expected to make difficult decisions.
- The company's CEO held a rank of great power and influence within the organization.
- Her family's low rank in the social hierarchy made it difficult for her to secure a good marriage.
- The politician's rank in the party was elevated after her successful campaign.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 4
The body of members of an organization or group; "they polled their membership"; "they found dissension in their own ranks"; "he joined the ranks of the unemployed".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- He worked his way up the corporate ranks from entry-level clerk to executive manager.
- New recruits often face bullying and intimidation within their own ranks.
- A crisis within their own ranks was quietly undermining the authority of the leader.
- Within their ranks was a remarkable athlete, undefeated for seven consecutive seasons.
- Both political parties purged dissenters from their ranks ahead of the presidential elections.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 5
Relative status; "his salary was determined by his rank and seniority".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The officer's rank in the military was higher than his brother's.
- Her rank in the company was junior manager, but she was being considered for a promotion.
- The university's rank among the top institutions in the country was a source of pride for its students.
- His rank in the chess club was amateur, but he was determined to improve his skills.
- The employee's rank in the company was determined by her years of service and job performance.