rating

1 of 2

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)

rating

2 of 2

present participle of rate entry 2, rate entry 3

Examples of rating in a Sentence

Noun

The school has an above-average academic rating.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But that’s illogical, given the enormous ratings for the Seahawks–Patriots game, which was shown on the NBC broadcast network and the Peacock streaming service. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

The premiere was the first ratings report card for the program since a major upheaval that occurred behind the scenes under CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Credit Saint Credit Restoration Highlights Credit Saint offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and has received an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Cousins’ two interceptions came on throws of 13 and 20 air yards, and his 0 passer rating on attempts over 10 yards was the league’s worst in Week 1. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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