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

According to the lawsuit, Lee was demoted during and after her pregnancy. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Among the vaccines demoted to the latter two categories are those protecting against meningococcal disease, which can result in death within 24 hours of symptoms showing up, and hepatitis B, which can cause chronic liver disease. — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

When Abrams stayed out too late at a casino in 2024, the former front office responded by demoting him through the end of the season. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Shortly after the launch, Soltys said, Getty Oil – which was a financial backer of the network – fired Scott and demoted Bill. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 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