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

Those are notable numbers for Turek in a state dominated by the GOP for the past decade; Turek has an edge among independent voters and a positive favorability rating compared to Hinson, who is viewed more negatively. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The reviews suggest the film depicts the investigations as having crossed a line, becoming exploitation in which the public good was secondary to ratings. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

After ranking 28th in the NBA in defensive rating last season, the Kings could be formidable on defense when Simmons shares the floor with the likes of Emanuel Sharp, Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter and Dylan Cardwell. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Quarterbacks Week 1 QB fantasy matchup ratings Matchups are rated on a 1-100 scale, with 100 being the best and 1 being the worst. — Kc Joyner, New York Times, 9 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