Demotion: meaning, definitions and examples

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demotion

[diˈmoʊʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

workplace

The action of lowering someone to a lower rank or grade in their job.

Synonyms

dethronement, downgrade, relegation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demotion	When someone is given a lower rank or less important position at work or in an organization. After several mistakes at work, she faced a demotion and had to return to her previous position. His demotion from manager to team leader surprised everyone in the office.
downgrade	Generally used when referring to a reduction in status, quality, or rank, especially for products, services, or positions. Following the financial crisis, the company's credit rating was downgraded from A to B. Her job was downgraded to a more junior role after the departmental restructuring.
relegation	Often used in sports to describe when a team is moved to a lower division due to poor performance. Can also be used metaphorically in other contexts. The team's relegation to the second division was a huge disappointment for the fans. His relegation to a smaller role in the project came as a result of his repeated mistakes.
dethronement	Typically used in the context of royalty or leaders being removed from their position of power, often with a dramatic or forceful implication. The king's dethronement marked the end of an era in the kingdom. After the coup, the president's dethronement was met with mixed reactions from the public.

Examples of usage

The demotion of the manager was a result of his poor performance.
She felt humiliated after receiving a demotion.
After the demotion, he had to report to his former subordinates.
The demotion came as a shock to the employee.
Her demotion was a blow to her career aspirations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

The act of moving a team to a lower division or rank in a sports competition.

Synonyms

degradation, downgrade, relegation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demotion	Typically used in workplaces or organizational structures when someone is moved to a lower position or rank. John faced a demotion at work due to poor performance. After the scandal, she received a demotion and was no longer a manager.
relegation	Commonly used in sports or competitive contexts, especially when a team is moved to a lower league or level. The team suffered relegation to the lower division after losing the final match. Relegation is often disappointing for fans and players alike.
downgrade	Frequently used when discussing ratings, classifications, or statuses that are reduced or lowered, can be used in various contexts such as finance, technology, or social status. The company’s credit rating was downgraded from AAA to BBB. After the software update, some features were downgraded, causing user dissatisfaction.
degradation	Often used to describe a decline in quality, condition, or status, and can be applied in both social and physical contexts. It also may carry a negative or humiliating connotation. The environmental degradation in the area has been worrying. She felt a sense of degradation after being humiliated in front of her colleagues.

Examples of usage

The demotion of the team was met with disappointment by their fans.
After a series of losses, the team faced demotion to a lower league.
The demotion of the club led to significant changes in their roster.
Players were concerned about the impact of demotion on their careers.
The team's demotion was a wake-up call for the management.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'demotion' comes from the Latin word 'demotio', which means 'to move down'.
It combines the prefix 'de-', meaning down or away, with 'motion', relating to movement.
First recorded use of 'demotion' in English dates back to the mid-19th century, reflecting organizational changes in workplaces.

Business

In corporate environments, demotion can occur during restructuring or if an employee is underperforming.
Employees who face a demotion might receive different benefits, such as lower pay or fewer responsibilities.
Handling a demotion thoughtfully can help maintain morale among staff when changes happen.

Psychology

Experiencing a demotion can lead to feelings of failure or inadequacy, impacting self-esteem.
Resilience plays a significant role in how individuals cope with a demotion; those who adapt well often learn from the experience.
Support systems, including friends and family, can help individuals navigate the emotional aftereffects of a demotion.

Pop Culture

Demotions are often a theme in movies and TV shows, depicting characters facing setbacks before achieving success.
In the sitcom 'The Office', characters frequently deal with workplace hierarchy challenges, including demotions and promotions.
Books like 'Up in the Air' explore themes of job insecurity, including instances of demotion among employees.

Education

In academic contexts, 'demotion' can refer to a student being moved to a lower grade level due to poor performance.
Educational policies in some institutions advocate for demotion as a way to help students regroup and improve before advancing.
Research shows that educational demotions can have lasting effects on student confidence and motivation.

Translations

Translations of the word "demotion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rebaixamento

🇮🇳 अवनीति

🇩🇪 Herabstufung

🇮🇩 penurunan pangkat

🇺🇦 пониження

🇵🇱 degradacja

🇯🇵 降格 (こうかく)

🇫🇷 rétrogradation

🇪🇸 degradación

🇹🇷 rütbe düşürme

🇰🇷 강등 (降等)

🇸🇦 خفض الرتبة

🇨🇿 snížení

🇸🇰 degradácia

🇨🇳 降级 (jiàngjí)

🇸🇮 degradacija

🇮🇸 lækkun

🇰🇿 лауазымды төмендету

🇬🇪 დაბალდება

🇦🇿 vəzifədən aşağı düşmə

🇲🇽 degradación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,476, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24473 vaporized
24474 mesquite
24475 stirrer
24476 demotion
24477 pacified
24478 wince
24479 indubitable
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