relegate
What does "relegate" mean?
To relegate is to move someone or something to a lower, less important, or less prestigious position. Imagine a professional athlete being sent from the major leagues back down to the minor leagues because their performance slipped; they are being moved from the spotlight to a secondary role. This word is almost exclusively used in formal contexts, such as sports, business hierarchies, or organizational structures. It carries a sense of demotion or marginalization, often implying that the person or thing is no longer considered a priority or a top-tier asset.
"relegate" in conversation
Workplace demotion
Did you hear they relegated Mark to the archives department?
Did you hear they moved Mark to the archives department?
That’s rough. He was doing so well in sales last quarter.
That’s rough. He was doing so well in sales last quarter.
Used to describe a career setback.
Sports discussion
If we lose this final game, we will be relegated to the second division.
If we lose this final game, we will be moved down to the second division.
I really hope the team pulls through; we can't afford to drop down.
I really hope the team wins; we can't afford to drop down.
Common in European football contexts.
"relegate" in a sentence
The team was relegated after a terrible season.
The team was relegated after a terrible season.
Don't relegate your health to the bottom of your priority list.
Don't relegate your health to the bottom of your priority list.
The author was relegated to a footnote in history by later critics.
The author was relegated to a footnote in history by later critics.
