demotionn.

1872 Ann. Rep. State Commissioner Common Schools Ohio 214 This record of examinations also gives the surest basis we can have for the promotion or demotion of pupils.

1899 Amer. Economist 23 June 298/2 The business of appointment, and, as they demand to be allowed to do, of promotion, demotion and discharge of 100,000 Government employes of all classes and qualifications.

1902 Ann. Rep. Board of Regents Smithsonian Inst. 1901 App. ii. 75 Promotion and demotion, i.e., advancement in ‘age’ (rank) by common consent in recognition of prowess, etc., with correlative reduction in ‘age’ as the penalty for cowardice.

1929 R. A. Fisher Genetical Theory Nat. Select. 226 The agencies controlling promotion or demotion.

1954 A. Koestler Invisible Writing 60 Every demotion, each step down the slopes of the pyramid, is final and irrevocable.

1981 Antiquaries Jrnl. 61 i. 135 Evidence for the demotion of the ‘church’ at Caerwent to a modern cottage.

1991 J. Kelman Burn (1992) 42 In reality it's to do with regrading, if you don't pass it you stay where you are. And that's like a demotion.

2008 Wall St. Jrnl. 9 Sept. a17/3 Confidential reporting systems allow pilots, engineers, managers and others to anonymously flag potential safety concerns without fear of grounding or demotion.