1 [count] : a measurement of how good, difficult, efficient, etc., something or someone is
▪ The President's approval rating is lower than it was a month ago. [=fewer people approve of the President this month] ▪ The school has an above-average academic rating. ▪ The article compares the fuel-economy ratings of various cars. — see also credit rating 2 the ratings : numbers that show how many people watch or listen to a particular television or radio program
▪ “How is the show doing in the ratings?” “It's down in the ratings [=few people are watching it]. I think it'll be canceled.” 3 [count] : a symbol that is officially given to a movie, video game, etc., to tell people what audience it is appropriate for
▪ Both movies received G ratings. [=both movies are rated G; both movies are appropriate for people of all ages] 4 [count] : a statement about the normal power or limit of a machine, engine, etc.
▪ a 15 amp rating ▪ The car has a horsepower rating of 500. 5 [count] Brit : someone in the navy who is not an officer