Word
demotion
Phoneticsde·mo·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈmoʊʃən/
UK/dɪmˈəʊʃən/
Countable & uncountable Business
Definition
n. a move to a lower rank or position in a company. This usually means you have less responsibility and often earn less money.
n. a reduction in rank, status, or position within an organization. Often results in a decrease in salary or authority.
Examples
“He was surprised by the sudden demotion after years of service.”
“The manager's demotion was a shock to the team, as he had been the most experienced person in the department.”
“While the official announcement cited budget constraints, many employees suspected the demotion was a strategic move to weaken the union's leadership before the next round of negotiations.”
Examples
simple
“He was surprised by the sudden demotion after years of service.”
contextual
“The manager's demotion was a shock to the team, as he had been the most experienced person in the department.”
complex
“While the official announcement cited budget constraints, many employees suspected the demotion was a strategic move to weaken the union's leadership before the next round of negotiations.”
Real-World Examples
“There was concern over whether the 28-year-old would accept an immediate demotion.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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