demotion

American  

[dih-moh-shuhn] / dɪˈmoʊ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of reducing to a lower grade, rank, class, or position, or the result of such a reduction.

   The committee is charged with hearing employee appeals and addressing complaints regarding suspension, demotion, layoff, or termination of employment.

   The company’s bad quarter resulted in a further demotion of their overall rating from C+ to C.

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Etymology

Origin of demotion

de- + (pro)motion

Example Sentences

Bovino’s apparent demotion came after he made demonstrably false claims that Pretti was aiming to kill federal agents.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2026

Other workers would face demotion, pay cuts and new jobs in different places.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Knowing that a refereeing career can end swiftly with injury or demotion, many would not wish to give up their more reliable day jobs, he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

"I hope the body will consider allowing female players to take time off before their due dates without suffering demotion," she told a news conference on Wednesday.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

With the demotion of Nick to our ranks, the peaceful interlude began to slip away, and my life once more became complicated, filled with anxiety and finally danger.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood