What is demoted?

The term "demoted" generally refers to the act of being moved to a lower rank, position, or level of authority, typically within an organizational or professional context. Here are a few key points about demotion:

1. Employment: In the workplace, an employee might be demoted due to various reasons such as poor performance, organizational restructuring, changes in company strategy, or disciplinary actions. A demotion can result in reduced responsibilities, a lower job title, and possibly a decrease in salary or benefits.

2. Military: In military contexts, demotion can occur due to misconduct, failure to meet standards, or as a disciplinary measure. It involves a reduction in rank and the associated privileges and responsibilities.

3. Sports: In sports leagues, teams can be demoted to a lower division or tier based on their performance. For example, in soccer, a team that finishes at the bottom of their league standings might be relegated to a lower division.

4. Astronomy: The term was famously used when Pluto was demoted from its status as the ninth planet in our solar system to a "dwarf planet" by the International Astronomical Union in 2006. This decision was based on new criteria for defining planets which Pluto did not meet.

5. Consequences of Demotion: Being demoted can have various impacts on an individual, including emotional effects such as decreased morale and motivation, as well as practical impacts like financial strain from reduced earnings.

It's usually beneficial for individuals facing demotion to seek feedback and understand the reasons behind the decision, which can aid in personal and professional development.