rank and file

noun
UK: /ˌræŋk ən ˈfaɪl/
US: /ˌræŋk ən ˈfaɪl/

  1. The ordinary members of an organization, as opposed to its leaders.

    1. The rank and file workers voted to strike for better pay.
    2. The proposal was unpopular with the rank and file, despite management's support.

  2. The general membership of a group or organization, excluding the leaders or those in authority.

    1. The union leader needs to listen to the rank and file opinions.
    2. Most of the rank and file believe the company should invest in new technology.

Synonyms

membership
rank and file adjective

  1. Consisting of ordinary members, not leaders.

    1. This is a rank and file decision.
    2. The rank and file membership strongly opposed the changes to the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rank and file" in English means: The ordinary members of an organization, as opposed to its leaders., The general membership of a group or organization, excluding the leaders or those in authority..

The phonetic transcription of "rank and file" is /ˌræŋk ən ˈfaɪl/ in British English and /ˌræŋk ən ˈfaɪl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rank and file": membership.

Example usage of "rank and file": "The rank and file workers voted to strike for better pay.". More examples on the page.