Skip to content

    Reranking

    Data integration & searchsecond ranking stage
    Reading time: 2 min.Editorially reviewed on:
    ← All terms

    Definition

    Reranking reorders existing hits based on an additional evaluation.

    The process of reordering an existing candidate list according to an additional scoring function.

    Simply explained

    The initial result list is re-examined and then reordered into a more appropriate sequence.

    Why it matters in practice

    The term improves reliable access to data and knowledge as well as their usable linkage in digital systems.

    Example from business

    A semantic model reorders the hits delivered by BM25.

    Limits and pitfalls

    • Trying to fix weak candidate generation by reranking or optimizing offline metrics without user testing.

    Origin & history

    Reranking is a long-established pattern in search engines and recommendation systems.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • Possible application: A semantic model reorders the hits delivered by BM25.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does reranking of search results mean?

    The process of reordering an existing candidate list according to an additional scoring function. What mistakes should be avoided? Trying to fix weak candidate generation through reranking or optimizing offline metrics without user testing.

    Sources

    Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.

    Editorially reviewed on:

    On this page

    Next step

    Put knowledge into practice