Unranked

Referring to something that has not been assigned a position in a list or hierarchy based on some criteria; not subjected to a process of evaluation or comparison that results in an ordinal placement. It implies a lack of established order or a deliberate decision to not rank. The term can apply to individuals, teams, items, or concepts. Often, 'unranked' suggests a level playing field or a preliminary stage before ranking is implemented.

Unranked meaning with examples

• The university's policy kept applications for the scholarship in an unranked pool during the initial review, ensuring equal consideration before the selection committee made its final decisions. This approach aimed to prevent bias based on perceived prestige.
• Before the regional championships, the tennis players were unranked because the competition hadn't taken place, meaning any participant could be placed at a level that reflects their current performance.
• Early-stage startup investments are often unranked as valuations fluctuate and depend on rapid market growth or product adaptation, meaning each startup may carry similar risk and upside.
• Online games often present a relaxed or fun play mode that is unranked, allowing players to practice and experiment without the pressure of the competition.