demote
verb (used with object)
to reduce to a lower grade, rank, class, or position (opposed to promote).
demoted
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past participleof demote.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof demote.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
demoteverb (used with object)to reduce to a lower grade, rank, class, or position (opposed to promote).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Greg Olsen, the well-liked tight end whom Fox demoted to make way for handsome extraterrestrial Tom Brady, will be available at season’s end, and in high demand.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026
Parachute money could ease those concerns, although there are no guarantees that the club would be entitled to those payments if they are demoted.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
Two veteran FBI counterterrorism officials were demoted after investigators determined allegedly harassing calls to a top White House aide’s wife did not warrant further investigation, according to multiple reports.
From Salon ● Sep. 27, 2026
Like so many since, he was crushed by Max Verstappen, and demoted back to the second team after half a season.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
Even though there were lots of hints all summer long, I hadn’t really figured out that I’d been demoted to Annoying Younger Brother.
From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon
