Search Dictionary
Definition of demote

demote

/dɪˈmoʊt/
de · mote
Adjective:demotive
•
Past Simple:demoted
•
Past Participle:demoted
•
Present Participle:demoting
JUMP TO:

demote Lexical Profile

demote Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To reduce someone to a lower rank, grade, or position, typically within an organization, military unit, or academic class, often as a punishment or due to poor performance.

Example

"The company decided to demote the regional manager to a supervisor role after two consecutive quarters of missed targets."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for demote
Antonyms
View all antonyms for demote

• Rhymes for demote

• Nearby Words

demoralizing
demoralizingly
demos
demote
demotion
demotivate
demotivation

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 19th-century American English by combining the Latin prefix 'de-' (down) with the stem of 'promote' (from Latin promovere, 'to move forward').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Demote. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/demote
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.