/rang"king/ , adj.
1. senior or superior in rank, position, etc.: a ranking diplomat.
2. prominent or highly regarded: a ranking authority on Soviet affairs.
3. occupying a specific rank, position, etc. (often used in combination): a low-ranking executive.
n.
4. an act or instance of indicating relative standing.
5. a list showing such standing.
[ 1860-65; RANK 1 + -ING 2 , -ING 1 ]