demotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "demotion" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone is moved to a lower rank or position, usually as a form of punishment or disciplinary action. For example: "He was facing a possible demotion for his failure to meet the performance targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In my view, the demotion was not deserved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lawn became joint chairman in 2007 but by the end of that season Bradford had suffered their third demotion in six years and were playing in the bottom division for the first time since the 1980s.

The Guardian - Sport

Three months later, as demotion occurred, the manager sensibly shrugged off those who sought to laugh last.

The Guardian - Sport

The deputy prime minister laughed off the demotion of Michael Gove as he accused the former education secretary of creating a "destructive relationship" with teachers.

The Guardian

They lost 1-0, which doesn't augur well, but more happily they stayed up anyway because Newcastle lost to a team in claret and blue – Aston Villa that time – to go down instead (when they went down the following year their demotion had already been sealed before their final game).

The Guardian - Sport

Warsi may be deeply disliked by some senior Tories who see her as vain, unprincipled, self-centred and motivated by animus at her demotion from the party chairmanship in 2012.

The Guardian

Lost in the storm that blew up over the centre's omission was the demotion of the No8 Jamie Heaslip, who was then Ireland's captain.

The Guardian - Sport

She was subsequently moved to the post of minister of state at the Foreign Office and minister for faith and communities in the prime minister's 2012 reshuffle – a move widely regarded as a demotion.

The Guardian

Related: Sir Malcolm Bruce: Commons would empty very fast if lying MPs had to quit He can't be sacked from the cabinet, since he's no longer in it, but he accepts that such a demotion would have been justified – and he's forfeited the severance payment which those who lose cabinet seats are routinely paid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Portsmouth were long candidates for demotion themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Nobody has tried to explain how, if their part in the concealment of the massacre deserves to be punished at all, it can be adequately punished by demotion to brigadier-general and colonel.One thing that is totally impossible is that Mr Calley alone is guilty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demotion" when you want to specifically indicate a formal reduction in rank or status, often as a consequence of poor performance or policy changes.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "demotion", which generally applies to individuals or positions within a hierarchy, with "relegation", which is typically used in sports contexts to describe a team's movement to a lower league.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "demotion" is as a noun. It refers to the act of being moved to a lower rank or position, or the state of having been demoted. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in this context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demotion" is a noun that describes the act of being lowered in rank or status. As shown by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news and media, science, and business. While it's a common term, it's important to use it accurately and avoid confusing it with terms like "relegation" or "dismissal". Considering these nuances will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduction in rank

Focuses on the specific hierarchical change in a job or position.

lowering of status

Emphasizes the decline in prestige or social standing.

degradation

Suggests a more severe decline in quality or condition.

downgrading

Implies a formal reassessment to a lower level or category.

debasement

Highlights a reduction in intrinsic worth or value.

relegation

Specifically refers to being moved to a lower division or league, often in sports.

decrease in position

Highlights the loss of importance or authority within an organization or structure.

fall from grace

Suggests a loss of favor or respect, often after a period of success.

loss of privilege

Indicates the removal of special rights or advantages.

decline in importance

Focuses on a reduction in significance or influence.

FAQs

How is "demotion" typically used in a sentence?

"Demotion" is used to describe the act of lowering someone's rank or status. For example, "His poor performance resulted in his "demotion" to a lower position."

What words can I use instead of "demotion"?

Alternatives to "demotion" include "downgrading", "reduction in rank", or "lowering of status", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "demotion" in the context of a sports team?

While "demotion" can be used generally to mean a lowering of status, "relegation" is the more common and specific term for a sports team being moved to a lower league.

What's the difference between "demotion" and "dismissal"?

"Demotion" refers to a lowering of rank or position within an organization, whereas "dismissal" means being terminated from employment altogether. Demotion implies a continued, albeit lower, role, while dismissal indicates complete separation from the job.