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

Now, Webb has been publicly demoted to a figurehead role as offensive coordinator. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026

With Ted, Keeley and Rebecca in her office, Alice learns that Ted has asked to be demoted to assistant manager, handing her the head coach job for the women’s team. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

As for 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis, who was demoted last week, there seems to be more to the situation than Deion is intentionally letting on. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

McLeod got demoted to the fourth line late in the game and played only three shifts in the third period. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 4 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