rating

noun

rat·​ing ˈrā-tiŋ 

1

: a classification according to grade

specifically : a military or naval specialist classification

2

chiefly British : an enlisted sailor

3

a

: relative estimate or evaluation : standing

the school has a good academic rating

b

: an estimate of an individual's or business's credit and responsibility

c

: an estimate of the percentage of the public listening to or viewing a particular radio or television program

4

: a stated operating limit of a machine expressible in power units (such as kilowatts of a direct-current generator) or in characteristics (such as voltage)

Examples of rating in a Sentence

The school has an above-average academic rating.

The article compares the fuel-economy ratings of various cars.

Recent Examples on the Web

But, despite a ratings dip this year, O’Brien has been praised for his performance both times, so ABC brass were keen on getting him back. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 May 2026

JPMorgan, Baird and RBC Capital Markets also recently initiated coverage of the stock with outperform or overweight ratings. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 12 May 2026

At that time, hosts battled for ratings and guests, prompted by the fracturing of the late-night landscape after Johnny Carson’s departure. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 May 2026

Of intrusive technology taking stock of our life through ratings. —Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rating

• approval rating
• credit rating
• Q rating
• self-rating

Rhymes for rating

• baiting
• bating
• crating
• dating
• freighting
• gating
• grating
• hating
• mating
• plaiting
• plating
• prating

Kids Definition

rating

noun

rat·​ing

ˈrāt-iŋ

: a position within a grading system

credit rating