rat·ing 1 
(rātĭng)
(rātĭng)n.
1. A position assigned on a scale; a standing.
2.
a. A classification according to specialty or proficiency, as of a member of the armed forces.
b. Chiefly British An enlisted person in the navy.
3. An evaluation of the financial status of a business or person: a credit rating.
4. A specified performance limit, as of capacity, range, or operational capability: the power rating of a light fixture.
5. The popularity of a television or radio program as estimated by a poll of segments of the audience.