demotion
gb/dɪmˈoʊʃən/ us/dɪmˈoʊʃən/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
action
1
move to a lower rank
a change to a lower job, rank, or position
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s demotion; demotion from [higher position] to [lower position]; demotion for [reason]
Common mistake:
Use demotion as a noun: “his demotion.” The verb is demote, not “demotion someone.”
Synonyms
downgrade (broader and often less formal; can refer to jobs, services, ratings, or status)
|
reduction in rank (more explicit and formal)
|
relegation (often used for being moved to a lower status, class, or sports division)
Antonyms
promotion (movement to a higher job, rank, or status)
|
advancement (progress to a better or higher position)
Collocations
face demotion
|risk demotion
|accept a demotion
|announce a demotion
|disciplinary demotion
|voluntary demotion
|demotion in rank
|demotion from manager to supervisor
|demotion and pay cut
|avoid demotion
Themes
work
|business
|management
|organizations
Examples
- After the accounting error, he accepted a demotion from regional manager to supervisor.
- The company said her demotion was not disciplinary but part of a restructuring.
- A demotion can mean less responsibility, a lower salary, or both.
Learner examples
- His demotion surprised the whole team.
- She got a demotion instead of a promotion.
Noun
C1
process
2
lowering of status or priority
a change that makes someone or something less important or lower in rank
Usage pattern:
demotion of [something] to [lower status]; [something]'s demotion in [ranking/system]
Common mistake:
Demotion usually means a lower status, rank, or priority, not simply a smaller amount or number.
Synonyms
downgrade (common for reducing status, quality rating, or priority)
|
lowering (more general and neutral)
|
relegation (often suggests being pushed to a less important role or lower sports division)
Antonyms
promotion (raising someone or something to higher status or priority)
|
upgrade (raising to a better level, rating, or category)
|
elevation (more formal; raising in status or importance)
Collocations
demotion to second place
|demotion to a lower division
|demotion in search results
|demotion in rankings
|algorithmic demotion
|demotion of the issue
|demotion to minor status
|suffer demotion
|avoid demotion
|automatic demotion
Themes
status
|systems
|sports
|technology
|media
Examples
- The app's demotion in search results caused a sharp drop in downloads.
- Critics complained about the demotion of climate policy to a minor campaign issue.
- The team's demotion to the second division shocked its supporters.
Learner examples
- The website's demotion hurt its traffic.
- The club feared demotion to a lower league.
Grammar
Dictionary form
demotion
IPA
GB/dɪmˈoʊʃən/
US/dɪmˈoʊʃən/
Syllables & stress
de - mo - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (mo)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: demotion
- Plural: demotion, demotions
Expressions
constructive demotion
1/kənstɹˈʌktɪv dɪmˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
legal
effective but unofficial demotion
an unofficial demotion that happens because a job is made lower in responsibility or status
Examples
- Although his title stayed the same, the removal of his staff and budget was treated as a constructive demotion.
- The employee claimed constructive demotion after being moved to a far less important role.
- A major reduction in responsibilities may amount to constructive demotion in some workplaces.
face demotion
1/fˈeɪs dɪmˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
be at risk of demotion
to be in danger of being moved to a lower position or level
Examples
- Managers who fail the compliance review could face demotion.
- After three poor seasons, the club faces demotion to a lower league.
- Employees may face demotion if they repeatedly ignore safety rules.
voluntary demotion
1/vˈɑləntɛɹi dɪmˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
business
chosen move to lower position
a move to a lower job or rank that a person chooses or accepts
Examples
- She asked for a voluntary demotion so she could spend more time with her family.
- The firm offered voluntary demotions as an alternative to layoffs.
- After years in management, he took a voluntary demotion to return to technical work.