Definition

Adjective: Having a high position or level within a hierarchy, organization, or system of importance. It describes someone or something that holds significant authority, seniority, or status.

Usage

The adjective "high-ranking" is used attributively, meaning it typically comes before the noun it modifies. It describes the elevated status of a person, position, or sometimes an object within a structured order. * It is commonly used in professional, governmental, military, and corporate contexts. * It is a compound adjective, often hyphenated.

Examples

• A high-ranking official from the ministry will visit the facility tomorrow.
• The meeting was attended by several high-ranking military officers.
• She is one of the most high-ranking executives in the company.
• The scandal implicated a number of high-ranking politicians.

Advanced Usage

• "High-ranking" can be used in comparative and superlative forms by adding "more" and "most," or by using other intensifiers.
  • He is a more high-ranking diplomat than his predecessor.
  • This is the most high-ranking delegation we have ever hosted.
• It can function as part of a compound predicate.
  • The position is considered very high-ranking.

Variants and Related Words

• High-level (adj.): Often used interchangeably with "high-ranking," especially regarding meetings, discussions, or officials. It can also refer to something advanced or complex (e.g., high-level programming).
• Senior (adj.): A common synonym, emphasizing length of service or experience alongside rank.
• Top-level (adj.): Emphasizing being at the very peak of a hierarchy.
• Upper-echelon (adj.): A more formal synonym, often used in military or strict organizational contexts.

Synonyms

• Senior
• High-level
• Top-level
• Prominent
• Leading
• Major
• Influential

Antonyms

• Low-ranking
• Junior
• Low-level
• Subordinate
• Minor

Related Phrases

• High command: The group of officers in supreme command of a military force.
• Upper management: The highest level of executives in a company.
• The higher-ups: (Informal noun) People in positions of authority.

Adjective

1. at an elevated level in rank or importance
   • a high-level official
   • a high-level corporate briefing
   • upper-level management