General words used to describe rank and status

above (adjective)

used for saying that someone’s rank is higher or their job is more important than someone else’s

involving a higher level of responsibility than I have, and therefore something that should be dealt with by someone more senior than me. This expression is often used figuratively to say that you do not have the knowledge or authority to decide about something

A-list (adjective)

mainly journalism connected with or belonging to the most famous, most successful, or richest group of people in society who are often seen in newspapers, on television etc

be junior to someone ()

to have less responsibility and power than someone else at work

below (adverb)

used for saying that someone’s rank is lower or their job is less important than someone else’s

below my paygrade ()

the responsibility of someone more junior than me; too unimportant for me to deal with

B-list (adjective)

mainly journalism referring to people who are fairly well known but not very famous

born (adjective)

used for saying that someone had a particular condition, personal quality, name, or social status at the time when they were born

the bottom/top of the pile ()

the last or first in status, income, or advantages

chief (adjective)

highest in authority, position, or rank

common (adjective)

ordinary, with no special status or rank

elite (adjective)

an elite group has a high status because it contains the best of its kind

genteel (adjective)

trying to appear as if you are genteel

good (adjective)

having a high and respected position in society

high-level (adjective)

involving people in important or powerful positions

high-ranking (adjective)

a high-ranking person or job is very senior

high up (adjective)

of high rank or status

humble (adjective)

with a low status

inferior (adjective)

lower in status or rank than someone or something else

lowly (adjective)

with a low status or position

menial (adjective)

menial work is boring or dirty and is considered to be of low status

ordinary (adjective)

ordinary people are not famous, rich, or powerful

outrank (verb)

to have a higher status than someone or something else in the same group or organization

prestige (adjective)

a prestige job or position involves dealing with important people and making important decisions

privileged (adjective)

having advantages and opportunities that other people do not have, because you have a lot of money or high social status

ranking (adjective)

mainly American in a position of importance in an organization, or among the best people taking part in an activity

rarefied (adjective)

intended for a small group of people who are very intelligent, rich, powerful etc. This word often shows that you think people like this believe they are better than ordinary people

reporting line (noun)

a relationship to someone who is in charge of your work and responsible for telling you what to do

report to ()

if you report to someone at work, they are in charge of you and responsible for telling you what to do

senior (adjective)

with a high rank or position

senior (adjective)

with a rank or position that is higher than someone else’s

social (adjective)

relating to the position that someone has in society in relation to other people

socially (adverb)

relating to society