Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

relegation

American  
[rel-i-gay-shuhn] / ˌrɛl ɪˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. 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.

  2. 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”; see 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.

See Examples For:

Could they otherwise have been involved in relegation battles?

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

His old side, despite snatching a draw at Manchester United a few hours after Lankshear's latest winner, remain in the Premier League relegation zone while Boro sit in the Championship's automatic promotion places.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

Jack Rudoni's penalty, Sidiki Cherif's first Sky Blues goal and late strikes from Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni lifted them out of the relegation zone in style.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

Despite the late elation sparked by Solanke's 92nd-minute equaliser, Tottenham remain in the relegation zone with just three points from their opening six matches.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

PONTIA, an island in the Tuscan sea; a place of relegation or banishment.

From A Dialogue Concerning Oratory, Or The Causes Of Corrupt Eloquence The Works Of Cornelius Tacitus, Volume 8 (of 8); With An Essay On His Life And Genius, Notes, Supplements by Cornelius Tacitus

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training