higher-ranking vs ranking

higher-ranking is not a noun while ranking is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
higher-ranking	No	Yes	No	No
ranking	Yes	Yes	No	No

As adjectives, higher-ranking and ranking are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of higher-ranking include superior.

higher-ranking (noun)	ranking (noun)
	position on a scale in relation to others in status or rank or achievement

higher-ranking (adjective)	ranking (adjective)
having a higher rank	having a higher rank