relegation
Americannoun
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assignment or banishment to an inferior position, place, rank, or condition.
Many factors are responsible for the relegation of disabled people to the margins of society.
The pending legislation shows the relegation of environmental concerns toward the bottom of the priority list in energy politics.
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Soccer. demotion to a lower playing league or division based on a team’s record.
The European leagues are a meritocratic hierarchy connected by promotion and relegation.
Etymology
Origin of relegation
First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin relēgātiōn-, stem of relēgātiō “a sending away, banishment”; relegate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )
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.
Newcastle were in the relegation places at the time and Trippier has gone on play a crucial role in the club's resurgence under Eddie Howe.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
With the appointment of Roberto de Zerbi, Tottenham are on to their third manager this season and they are in serious relegation trouble.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
Owen speaks with passion and frustration after a week of criticism for requesting voluntary relegation.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Hashtag United have risen through the football pyramid with an army of YouTube subscribers – but now they are seeking relegation.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
It meant two or perhaps four years in the State House, and then relegation to the shade of a 'has been.'
From Bolanyo by Read, Opie Percival
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
