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

She was transferred against her wishes from ELAC to Pierce College in Woodland Hills in May 1989 and was demoted from journalism head to an instructor, according to Times reporting. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 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

Mayor Johnson went on to demote Brewer, who was chair of the CHA Board at the time, saying the process that led to Pettigrew's appointment violated state law. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 25 June 2026

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