highest ranking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highest ranking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that has achieved the most prestigious rank or position. For example, "The general is the highest ranking officer in the army."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Most committee members gave Judge Bork the association's highest ranking.

The New York Times

Highest ranking 11.

Independent

His highest ranking was 363.

Independent

The highest ranking was a corporal.

The Economist

The highest ranking is 1.

The New York Times

Highest ranking: No. 101, reached in February of this year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Porsche, meanwhile, was the highest-ranking brand.

The New York Times

She is its highest-ranking woman.

The New York Times

The highest-ranking minority, Kim Ng, is an Asian woman.

The New York Times - Sports

General Querol is the highest-ranking official slain this year.

The New York Times

He is the highest-ranking Serb in the tribunal's custody.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highest ranking" to clearly denote the top position within a structured hierarchy or classification. Ensure the context provides clarity about what is being ranked.

Common error

Avoid using "highest ranking" without clearly defining the scope or context of the ranking. For example, specify "highest ranking official in the department" rather than just "highest ranking" to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highest ranking" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun by indicating its position in a hierarchy or scale. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academic Sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highest ranking" effectively denotes the top position within a hierarchy. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, especially in news and scientific domains. Alternatives such as "top-ranked" and "leading position" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When using "highest ranking", ensure the scope of the ranking is clear to avoid ambiguity. While frequently used, its formality is generally neutral, making it appropriate for professional and academic settings. "Highest ranking" is a reliable phrase to indicate top-tier status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-ranked

A more concise adjective to describe something in the top position.

number one

A straightforward way to denote the first position.

top tier

Emphasizes belonging to the uppermost level within a structured system.

best position

A simple way to refer to the most favorable or advantageous spot.

premier status

Emphasizes the top-level status of something.

leading position

Focuses on the act of being in front, emphasizing leadership.

foremost position

Indicates being at the front or most important place.

uppermost echelon

Highlights a position at the highest level within an organization or hierarchy.

elite level

Highlights a high level of skill, achievement, or social status.

peak classification

Emphasizes reaching the best category in a system of classification.

FAQs

How can I use "highest ranking" in a sentence?

You can use "highest ranking" to describe someone or something that holds the top position in a hierarchy. For example, "She is the "highest ranking" officer in her division".

What are some alternatives to "highest ranking"?

Some alternatives include "top-ranked", "leading position", or "number one", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "highest ranking" or "top-ranked"?

"Highest ranking" and "top-ranked" are generally interchangeable in formality. However, "highest ranking" might be preferred in formal or official contexts.

What's the difference between "highest ranking" and "senior ranking"?

"Highest ranking" specifically indicates the top position, whereas "senior ranking" implies a higher, but not necessarily the highest, position in a hierarchy. Seniority is often associated with experience or time in a position.