the rank and file
noun
1
: the people in the army, navy, air force, etc., who are not officers
2
: the members of a group or organization who are not leaders
The rank and file is/are unhappy with the chairman's decision.
Examples of the rank and file in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Concerned about potential risks for a profession already struggling with retention and recruitment, state law enforcement leaders are taking steps to better inform the rank and file.
—
Virginia Bridges, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
Mulgrew’s rivals have also accused current leadership of not giving the rank and file enough of a voice in union matters and also of backroom dealings.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
The Conference Board, a nonprofit corporate research consultancy, has found that diversity programs aimed at managers and the rank and file enhance corporate fortunes.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
The reasons for Bukele’s alleged protection of the gang leadership versus his relentless pursuit of the rank and file are the subject of speculation in both the United States and El Salvador.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the rank and file
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Virginia Bridges, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
Mulgrew’s rivals have also accused current leadership of not giving the rank and file enough of a voice in union matters and also of backroom dealings.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
The Conference Board, a nonprofit corporate research consultancy, has found that diversity programs aimed at managers and the rank and file enhance corporate fortunes.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
The reasons for Bukele’s alleged protection of the gang leadership versus his relentless pursuit of the rank and file are the subject of speculation in both the United States and El Salvador.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the rank and file
Cite this Entry
“The rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20rank%20and%20file. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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