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
Too many turnaround attempts see a CEO throwing spaghetti at the wall in the hopes something will work, further confusing the rank and file and sapping their confidence in management.
—
Phil Wahba, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
In the past few days, the gulf between the top brass and the rank and file has grown.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
In addition, the rank and file share the same (increasingly existential) economic challenges faced by most Iranians.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026
He was appointed Chief in 1994 and was a beloved leader who stood up for the rank and file.
—Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
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Phil Wahba, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
In the past few days, the gulf between the top brass and the rank and file has grown.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
In addition, the rank and file share the same (increasingly existential) economic challenges faced by most Iranians.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026
He was appointed Chief in 1994 and was a beloved leader who stood up for the rank and file.
—Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 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 4 Feb. 2026.
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