demote

verb

de·​mote di-ˈmōt How to pronounce demote (audio)
ˌdē-
demoted; demoting

transitive verb

1
: to reduce to a lower grade or rank
demote a student
was demoted from major to captain
2
: to relegate to a less important position
a pitcher demoted to the bullpen
demotion noun

Examples of demote in a Sentence

Teachers can choose to demote a student to a lower grade. The army major was demoted to captain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Julien flirted with the Mendoza Line before being demoted to the minors after 60 games. Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Cockfield confirmed a supervisor was suspended for 30 days and demoted. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025 In response to his Facebook posts, Turner was placed on leave and later demoted. Nate Rau, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025 Although these three labels have been demoted, six other French Champagne makers retained their status: Bollinger, Laurent-Perrier, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, Moët & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demote

Word History

Etymology

de- + -mote (as in promote)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demote was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demote. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

demote

verb
de·​mote di-ˈmōt How to pronounce demote (audio)
ˈdē-
demoted; demoting
: to reduce to a lower grade or rank
demotion noun

More from Merriam-Webster on demote

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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