relegation

[ rel-i-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. assignment or banishment to an inferior position, place, rank, or condition:

   Many factors are responsible for the relegation of disabled people to the margins of society.

   The pending legislation shows the relegation of environmental concerns toward the bottom of the priority list in energy politics.

2. Soccer. demotion to a lower playing league or division based on a team’s record:

   The European leagues are a meritocratic hierarchy connected by promotion and relegation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of relegation¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin relēgātiōn-, stem of relēgātiō “a sending away, banishment”; relegate ( def ), -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

City deny any wrongdoing but sanctions in the event of a guilty verdict could range from a huge fine to points deductions or even relegation.

From BBC

The first two years of Unai Emery's reign as Aston Villa manager was a frictionless ascent from relegation fears to Champions League music.

From BBC

The tournament will resume next year with the knockout stages, plus relegation and promotion play-offs.

From BBC

But seven points from their final matches against the same opposition ended the campaign on a high and avoided automatic relegation.

From BBC

Minutes after the final whistle, Forest’s social media account pointed an accusing finger at VAR Stuart Attwell, who they claimed was a fan of Luton Town, who were also in relegation trouble at the time.

From BBC

Related Words

• banishment
• discharge
• displacement
• ejection
• eviction
• exclusion
• ouster
• purge
• removal
• suspension