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

And media rights fees used to be built on ratings. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Morningstar maintained its $53 fair value estimate and narrow economic moat rating. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

After an awful, embarrassing playoff exit two seasons ago the Heat improved by six wins this season and had the highest offensive rating in club history. —Greg Cote april 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

The firm has an overweight rating and a price target of $105 on the stock. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 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