lowest rank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lowest rank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the least senior or lowest position within a hierarchy, such as in a job or organization. Example: "In the military, a private holds the lowest rank among the enlisted personnel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Theories actually occupy the highest, not the lowest, rank among scientific ideas.

The New York Times

Despite discouragement, racism and sexism, she said, she rose from the lowest rank to lieutenant commander.

The New York Times

Lieutenant, company grade officer, the lowest rank of commissioned officer in most armies of the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lowest rank is for candidates like Mr. Gomez who have never won elected office.

The New York Times

The lowest rank, Dalits, will be free to enter any temple or religious structure, Mr. Deuba said.

The New York Times

To progress from the lowest rank to Legend takes 95 wins; and even from where I started, with my rank carried over from November, took 85.

The Guardian - Tech

Kusum is a dalit, from the lowest rank of the social hierarchy that still causes deep discrimination in India, which does not help matters.

The Guardian

"One M14 in my car had Tigrinya symbols and a series of numbers on the side that belonged to the lowest rank in the Eritrean army".

The Guardian

All eight of those hills rate as fourth-category climbs, the lowest rank available in terms of length, steepness and difficulty.

The New York Times - Sports

Poor West Virginia once again claimed the lowest rank in the latest Well-Being Index report, a spot where it has languished for several years.

The New York Times

In the interest of convincing pros we would like to suggest that from now all writers entering the Army start right as majors, the lowest rank, we believe, that is supposed to be omniscient.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing hierarchical structures, clarify the specific system you're referencing when using "lowest rank" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify if you're referring to a military, academic, or social context.

Common error

Avoid using "lowest rank" when you actually mean 'least important'. While related, the lowest rank in a hierarchy isn't necessarily the least important. Consider using alternative language to more accurately convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lowest rank" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the bottom-most position within a hierarchy, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lowest rank" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the bottom-most position in a hierarchy. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While interchangeable with alternatives like "bottom tier" or "entry-level position", it's important to consider the specific context to ensure accurate usage. Avoid using it when referring to something as simply 'least important' rather than indicating a position in a graded structure. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is suitable for various writing styles, leaning slightly towards formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bottom rank

A simple reordering of words.

lowest tier

Replaces "rank" with "tier", suggesting a layered structure.

bottom rung

Uses a metaphor of a ladder to represent hierarchy.

bottom level

Emphasizes the position as the foundation or base.

base level

Synonymous with bottom level.

entry-level position

Specifically indicates the initial position in an organization.

lowest grade

Uses "grade" to represent a level in a system.

initial stage

Focuses on the beginning phase in a process or hierarchy.

foundation level

Highlights the fundamental nature of the position.

lowest stratum

More formal, indicates a layer or level in a structure.

FAQs

How can I use "lowest rank" in a sentence?

You can use "lowest rank" to describe a position in a hierarchy, such as "He started in the "lowest rank" and worked his way up" or "That task is assigned to someone of the "lowest rank" within the department".

What's a phrase similar to "lowest rank"?

Alternatives to "lowest rank" include "bottom tier", "entry-level position", or "bottom rung", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the most lowest rank"?

No, it is redundant. The word "lowest" already implies the superlative degree. "Lowest rank" is already the correct phrasing.

What's the difference between "lower rank" and "lowest rank"?

"Lower rank" refers to a position that is below another position in a hierarchy, while "lowest rank" refers to the very bottom position. One is comparative, the other is superlative.