demote

verb

de·​mote di-ˈmōt 

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

di-ˈmō-shən 

ˌdē-

noun

Synonyms of demote

• reduce
• dismiss

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

With Wells expected back, the Yankees will have to demote one of their incumbent catchers. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026

The criminal complaint was filed by a sergeant whom Lugo demoted in 2020. — Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 25 June 2026

But in the process, the department demoted theology, a field that some had targeted for enjoying professional status when nursing did not. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2026

With their postseason hopes dashed, Blashill demoted Burakovsky to the fourth line April 4 in Seattle while the coach experimented with lines to end the season. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

de- + -mote (as in promote)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for demote

• afloat
• azote
• banknote
• bareboat
• benzoate
• connote
• cutthroat
• denote
• devote
• endnote
• footnote
• greatcoat

Kids Definition

demote

verb

de·​mote di-ˈmōt 

ˈdē-

demoted; demoting

: to reduce to a lower grade or rank

demotion

di-ˈmō-shən 

ˈdē-

noun