credit rating

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.

credit rating

noun

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

credit rating

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of credit rating¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Consumer Watchdog, he noted, worked on a bill that would have leveraged the state’s credit rating to assist in lowering the cost of reinsurance, which is bought by insurers to protect themselves from catastrophic claims.

From Los Angeles Times

It aims to boost defence spending by allowing EU countries with higher borrowing costs to take advantage of the Commission's favourable credit rating.

From BBC

The company told the commission that because of California’s high risk of wildfire, it needed to earn higher profits to encourage investors to continue holding its stock and to bolster its credit rating.

From Los Angeles Times

Skydance and its backer RedBird Capital Partners have promised investors belt-tightening to bolster Paramount’s strained finances and raise its damaged credit rating.

From Los Angeles Times

It should also lead to clear information about cancellation rights, charges and any impact on credit ratings if a payment is missed.

From BBC