Demotion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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demotion
[diˈmoʊʃən ]
Definitions
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.
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| downgrade |
Generally used when referring to a reduction in status, quality, or rank, especially for products, services, or positions.
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| 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.
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| dethronement |
Typically used in the context of royalty or leaders being removed from their position of power, often with a dramatic or forceful implication.
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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.
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.
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| relegation |
Commonly used in sports or competitive contexts, especially when a team is moved to a lower league or level.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'demotion'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'demotion' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'demovere', which means 'to remove'. It first appeared in English as a term used in a social or military context to denote the lowering of someone's rank or position. Over time, 'demotion' has become commonly associated with workplace scenarios, reflecting the act of lowering an employee's rank or grade due to performance issues or restructuring. In sports, 'demotion' is often used to describe the movement of a team to a lower division or rank in a competition.