demotion — The act of moving someone to a lower rank, position, or grade, often as a punishment or due to poor performance
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The act of moving someone to a lower rank, position, or grade, often as a punishment or due to poor performance
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈmoʊʃən/
Example Sentences
- In the civil service exam, understanding terms like 'demotion' and 'promotion' is essential for reading comprehension.
- He joked that his demotion was really just a 'promotion in reverse gear.'
- The official's demotion came after he was found sleeping during an important meeting.
demotion
NOUN[/dɪˈmoʊʃən/]
The act of moving someone to a lower rank, position, or grade, often as a punishment or due to poor performance
After the scandal, the manager faced a demotion back to junior clerk.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Demotion is a 19th-century English formation created as the antonym of promotion. It combines the Latin prefix de- (down, away) with motion (from Latin motio, meaning movement), literally signifying downward movement or descent in rank or status.
Breakdown
de- (down, away) + motio (movement, motion) + -tion (noun suffix). The prefix de- reverses the meaning of promotion, creating a term for descent in organizational hierarchy.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“In the civil service exam, understanding terms like 'demotion' and 'promotion' is essential for reading comprehension.”
“He joked that his demotion was really just a 'promotion in reverse gear.'”
“The official's demotion came after he was found sleeping during an important meeting.”
“Civil servants can appeal a demotion if they believe it was unjustly imposed.”
“The fear of demotion motivated many employees to work harder before the annual review.”
📚Related Words
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