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

The slide has gone fully internet viral with more than 53,000 perfect ratings on Amazon—and for good reason. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

The network interrupted its usual Sunday night fare for a news special that scored solid ratings. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

There’s also a new exemption for veterans who have a 100% disability rating, though the application for that will not be available from the state until after July 1. —Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Alternatively, consider these best-selling Skechers Women's Hands-Free Slip-ins, which have racked up more than 9,800 five-star ratings. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 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