credit rating

American  

noun

1. a classification of credit risk based on investigation of a customer's or potential customer's financial resources, prior payment pattern, and personal history or degree of personal responsibility for debts incurred.

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credit rating British  

noun

1. an evaluation of the creditworthiness of an individual or business enterprise

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credit rating Cultural  

1. An evaluation of the financial trustworthiness of an individual, firm, or government.

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Etymology

Origin of credit rating

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed the Emirates’ AA/A-1+ sovereign credit rating, citing our fiscal depth, diversified growth engines and proven ability to protect investments, even in crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“This is the number one risk with Corsia,” said Ben Rattenbury, VP of policy at carbon credit rating and services provider Sylvera.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Without more detail, we can only speculate how your son’s credit rating was ruined.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

The parent company has an investment-grade credit rating.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

I made Bryce twenty-two years old and gave him a brand-new Social Security number, an immaculate credit rating, and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline