1To come right after something in sequence, or to rank second to it in degree or importance; most often used in the pattern "〜に次ぐ" (next to/following ~).
台風による被害は、前回の地震に次ぐ大きさだった。
The damage from the typhoon was second only to that of the previous earthquake.
この会社は業界で大手に次ぐ規模を誇っている。
This company boasts a scale second only to the industry's major players.
彼はチーム内でキャプテンに次ぐ実力を持つ選手だ。
He is a player whose ability ranks second only to the team captain's.
首位はA社、次いでB社が続いている。
Company A is in first place, followed by Company B.