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

Brissett started eight games for Arizona this season but was demoted to third-string quarterback after Gardner Minshew stepped in and led the Cardinals to a 33-30 comeback victory at Dallas. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

He was recalled to the big league club — and subsequently demoted to Jacksonville — four additional times before ending the season with the Marlins. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Those who fail to scan the address verification QR code within seven days will see their account demoted to the free tier and be barred from joining any other Duo or Family plan for 12 months. — Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Wilson was eventually demoted, making Winston the primary backup. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 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